Maker Resources
Compliant Mechanisms
Origami
FlexLinks
Developable Mechanisms
OneCuts
data-content-type=""

Constant-Force Mechanism
Compliant Mechanisms
A constant force mechanism provides a constant resistance through a specific range of motion.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
A constant force mechanism provides a constant resistance through a specific range of motion.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

2 DOF Space Pointer
Compliant Mechanisms
This mechanism allows for motion in two degrees of freedom, with no springs or hinges necessary. It was designed for carefully turning rocket nozzle in space.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
This mechanism allows for motion in two degrees of freedom, with no springs or hinges necessary. It was designed for carefully turning rocket nozzle in space.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Compliant Overrunning Clutch
Compliant Mechanisms
Overrunning clutches, or freewheel clutches, are used in applications which require torque to be transmitted in only one direction. This design most resembles the ratchet and pawl clutch.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
Overrunning clutches, or freewheel clutches, are used in applications which require torque to be transmitted in only one direction. This design most resembles the ratchet and pawl clutch.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

"Wyrd" Elephant Compliant Mechanism
Compliant Mechanisms
A Wyrd mechanism is a compliant mechanism that has motion similar to a double parallel mechanism.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
A Wyrd mechanism is a compliant mechanism that has motion similar to a double parallel mechanism.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Bistable Mechanism
Compliant Mechanisms
This mechanism demonstrates how compliant beams can be used to store energy not just while actively being bent, but also in a bistable configuration like this. This model also makes for a great fidget toy.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
This mechanism demonstrates how compliant beams can be used to store energy not just while actively being bent, but also in a bistable configuration like this. This model also makes for a great fidget toy.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

"Wyrd" BYU Cougar Compliant Mechanism
Compliant Mechanism
This Wyrd mechanism imitates what is usually made from rigid hinges by using thin living hinges. Print it to see how it moves!
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
This Wyrd mechanism imitates what is usually made from rigid hinges by using thin living hinges. Print it to see how it moves!
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Fully Compliant Pliers
Compliant Mechanisms
These pliers show how compliant mechanisms can be used to perdorm the same functions as much more complicated, classical mechanisms. These pliers are made from a single material, and so are much easier to produce.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
These pliers show how compliant mechanisms can be used to perdorm the same functions as much more complicated, classical mechanisms. These pliers are made from a single material, and so are much easier to produce.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Centrifugal Clutch
Compliant Mechanisms
This clutch only engages with the outer wall once the inner rotor reaches a specific velocity, which is desirable in almost all applications involving an internal combustion engine.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
This clutch only engages with the outer wall once the inner rotor reaches a specific velocity, which is desirable in almost all applications involving an internal combustion engine.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Ortho-Planar Spring
Compliant Mechanisms
The Ortho-Planar Spring is a compact spring with a platform that undergoes a large displacement in either direction, but does not rotate like conventional planar springs. This invention has numerous advantages.
Thingiverse Page
The Ortho-Planar Spring is a compact spring with a platform that undergoes a large displacement in either direction, but does not rotate like conventional planar springs. This invention has numerous advantages.
Thingiverse Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Bistable Compliant Switch
Compliant Mechanisms
This bistable switch is an example of a compliant mechanism with a four-bar mechanism pseudo-rigid-body model. A contact force is created by causing the contacts to connect before the second stable equilibrium position is reached. Living hinges are used at the other joints.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
This bistable switch is an example of a compliant mechanism with a four-bar mechanism pseudo-rigid-body model. A contact force is created by causing the contacts to connect before the second stable equilibrium position is reached. Living hinges are used at the other joints.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Large-Displacement Linear-Motion Mechanisms
Compliant Mechanisms
This kind of mechanism is used to displace a bar in a straight line and in a very secure and predicatble way. It works by using multiple beams as both springs and guides for the central bar.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
This kind of mechanism is used to displace a bar in a straight line and in a very secure and predicatble way. It works by using multiple beams as both springs and guides for the central bar.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Cross-Axis Flexural Pivot
Compliant Mechanisms
This pivot demonstrates how compliant mechanisms can be used instead of pin joints in certain rigid-body situations, where wear should be avoided and springiness is desired.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
This pivot demonstrates how compliant mechanisms can be used instead of pin joints in certain rigid-body situations, where wear should be avoided and springiness is desired.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Bat-Flex
Compliant Mechanisms
This Halloween-inspired model uses compliant hinges to allow for a cute range of motion in the flapping of the bat's wings.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
This Halloween-inspired model uses compliant hinges to allow for a cute range of motion in the flapping of the bat's wings.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Christmas Ornament
Compliant Mechanisms
This delightful Christmas ornament uses LET joints to create a spherical case for a simple origami-inspired tree.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
This delightful Christmas ornament uses LET joints to create a spherical case for a simple origami-inspired tree.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Cross-Axis Ghost
Compliant Mechanisms
This little ghost bends back and forth in a spooky little motion built off the Cross-Axis Flexural Pivot.
Thingiverse Page
This little ghost bends back and forth in a spooky little motion built off the Cross-Axis Flexural Pivot.
Thingiverse Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
data-content-type=""

3D Printable Flasher
Origami
This pattern demonstrates the fun kinematics and compactability of flasher patterns, and can be printed on most 3D printers!
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
This pattern demonstrates the fun kinematics and compactability of flasher patterns, and can be printed on most 3D printers!
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Folding Hexagon
Origami
This folding hexagon origami pattern increases its surface area by nearly 300% when opened!
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
This folding hexagon origami pattern increases its surface area by nearly 300% when opened!
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Octocube
Origami
The octocube model demonstrates how even structural members that don't look like flat sheets can be used in ways that follow the rules of origami. The six sets of folds in this cube all work together to make a cycle.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
The octocube model demonstrates how even structural members that don't look like flat sheets can be used in ways that follow the rules of origami. The six sets of folds in this cube all work together to make a cycle.
Thingiverse Page
Printables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Origami Flasher
Origami
This origami flasher, originally designed by Jeremy Shafer and Chris Palmer, shows how origami patterns can be used to compact large sheets into very small volumes.
Instructables Page
This origami flasher, originally designed by Jeremy Shafer and Chris Palmer, shows how origami patterns can be used to compact large sheets into very small volumes.
Instructables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Compliant Kaleidocycle
Origami
This model is unique because, despite the fact that it is built from compliant mechanisms, it can continuously cycle through a full 360 degrees of motion. It also makes for a great fidget toy.
Thingiverse Page
This model is unique because, despite the fact that it is built from compliant mechanisms, it can continuously cycle through a full 360 degrees of motion. It also makes for a great fidget toy.
Thingiverse Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Ballistic Barrier
Origami
This is a downscaled version of our full-sized, bullet-proof barrier. It demonstrates how origami can be used to make a deployable wall on-demand.
Instructables Page
This is a downscaled version of our full-sized, bullet-proof barrier. It demonstrates how origami can be used to make a deployable wall on-demand.
Instructables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Elliptic Infinity
Origami
This mathematically fascinating sculpture is an original design by Dr. Robert Lang.
Thingiverse Page
This mathematically fascinating sculpture is an original design by Dr. Robert Lang.
Thingiverse Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Four-bar Origami vertex
Origami
Origami not only allows for new and complicated mechanisms, but can also emulate more traditional mechanisms as well.
Thingiverse Page
Origami not only allows for new and complicated mechanisms, but can also emulate more traditional mechanisms as well.
Thingiverse Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Color Changing Bidirectional Tube
Origami
This origami tube has many interesting properties, one of which can be seen in this color changing pattern. It has been the inspiration for some of our other works. Check out our publications or the link to learn more.
Instructables Page
This origami tube has many interesting properties, one of which can be seen in this color changing pattern. It has been the inspiration for some of our other works. Check out our publications or the link to learn more.
Instructables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Square Twist
Origami
The kinetic sculpture shown here is made of a much larger square of material than just a regular piece of paper, and it is made of a material that is an entire inch thick. Try folding that!
Innstructables Page
The kinetic sculpture shown here is made of a much larger square of material than just a regular piece of paper, and it is made of a material that is an entire inch thick. Try folding that!
Innstructables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Oriceps: Origami Inspired Forceps
Origami
This Oriceps design is an example of a compliant mechanism that was inspired by Shafer's origami "Chomper", and was made for application as a pair of forceps that were later adapted and implemented for use on one of Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci robots.
Thingiverse Page
This Oriceps design is an example of a compliant mechanism that was inspired by Shafer's origami "Chomper", and was made for application as a pair of forceps that were later adapted and implemented for use on one of Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci robots.
Thingiverse Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
data-content-type=""

Volume-Efficient Miura-ori (VEMO)
This ultra-compact origami-inspired deployable structure was designed for reflectarray antennas. It compacts down into a perfect cube!
Printables Page
Printables Page
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideBackgroundColorOrImage=
overrideTextColor=
overrideTextAlignment=
overrideCardHideSection=
overrideCardHideByline=
overrideCardHideDescription=
overridebuttonBgColor=
overrideButtonText=
overrideTextAlignment=
For all of our 3D print files, see our CMR profiles on: