2024 Tensegrity Amphiptere Statue
This 3D printed statue was designed, printed, assembled, and finished by yours truly! Gold-plated steel chains suspend this tensegrity structure while the weighted base holds it back from succumbing to gravity.
User Guide
If you have questions, send an email to [email protected]. I can’t guarantee I will answer all questions, but I will make the effort to do so!
Quick Disassembly (if you got it at the art show)
The best way to disassemble this quickly and safely is to hold the model by the torso with one hand, lift upwards, remove the aluminum support from the base, then unhook the gold rings from the wing tips. After that, the allen key taped to the bottom of the base can be used to remove the wings if desired.
Two storage bins with packing material are provided for hand-carry transport of a fully-disassembled statue. This is adequate for personal ground transportation, but not shipping or checked luggage.
How to Assemble
Referencing the final assembled statue is helpful in seeing how it goes together. Read all steps before starting, as your hands will likely be full
- Using the included 2mm allen key, carefully screw together the wings. All screws are the same size. These are easy to cross thread and strip, so do not apply excessive force. Tighten until the wings are firmly attached to the body and don’t wobble. The easiest method is holding the wing and body in position with one hand while the other one inserts the screw.
- Connect the chain that is attached to the aluminum support to the gold loop on the tail.
- While holding the statue in one hand, insert the aluminum support into the base.
- Position the statue upright and loop the wing support chain ends over the second claw of each wing.
- Slowly lower the statue from your grip to allow the weight of the statue to be supported by the strings. Most of the force is taken up by the tail support chain.
Disassembly is accomplished by reversing these steps.
Care and Transport
This model is made of 3D-printed PLA and can’t tolerate temperatures above 50C (122F). Do not store in a hot car for extended periods of time or else the model may deform.
If moving the assembled statue from one room to another, it does not need to be disassembled. While supporting the weight of the dragon with one hand, and picking up the base with the other, you can move it easily. Keeping the entire statue tilted slightly backwards helps maintain tension on the chains.
If packing the statue or moving it to a different building, it is recommended to disassemble the statue and remove the wings. Follow the assembly guide in reverse in order to disassemble the statue.
The claw tips and horn tips are delicate. Care should be taken when laying down the statue onto a surface or when packing.
Repairs
Standard super glue (CA glue) works well to fix the 3D printed statue.
If one of the gold chain loops opens up, it can be bent back into place with pliers.
Amphiptere??
(the ‘pt’ is like in ‘pterodactyl’)
A dragon with wings but no legs. However, my own amphiptere Laz is less of a flying snake and more like a legless wyvern. It’s all about the chest muscles for those big wings!!
Gallery
