Nov 20, 2015 | By Benedict
Montreal, Canada based GUTS Labs has developed a set of 3D printed prototypes for their special curved LEGO bricks, which allow keen builders to experiment with entirely new structures. The company has launched a Kickstarter campaign to get the project off the ground.
Where to start with LEGO? The (literal) cornerstone of our childhood, those colorful little blocks provide endless fun for people of all ages. Despite the next generation’s growing interest in computer games, tablets and mobile phones, LEGO remains peerless and future-proof. That being said, keen young LEGO builders occasionally come up against a brick wall. Unless special pieces are bought, builders are generally restricted to working in right angles. Curved structures can only be approximated with a “pixel” effect—part of LEGO’s appeal, but restrictive nonetheless.
GUTS Labs was having none of that, and decided to build its own special set of bricks to enable little (and large) builders to create structures with organic curves. The company has 3D printed a set of prototype bricks, which come at various angles and can be joined together to form a near-natural linear curve.
If you’ve been banging your head against a brick wall trying to figure out how LEGO bricks could be curved, let us explain: each brick of the “curved” section is angled at 22.5 degrees. This means that when four of these bricks are stacked on top of one another, the fourth brick ends up at a perfect 90 degree angle. A special thin connector piece can then be used to connect the uppermost angled brick to another part of the structure.
The special LEGO bricks can be used to create organic curves, build arches with a custom radius, and build structures on new axes. GUTS Labs has already built some 3D printed prototypes of the special bricks, but needs extra funding to bring them into production. The company has therefore started a Kickstarter campaign for the project, which is currently underway. The final bricks will not be 3D printed, but produced using injection moulding techniques and a more advanced coloring system.
GUTS Labs has set a goal of $27,000 for the campaign, and there is still almost a month left before it draws to a close. The most basic kit is available for preorder with a $9 pledge. This set contains 8 angled bricks and 2 connector bricks, allowing builders to construct something like a curved bridge. Bigger, more complete sets with a range of special extras are also available. Stay ahead of the curve: get yourself some angled LEGO bricks and open up a new world of building possibilities!
Posted in 3D Printing Application
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Wow! I want some!