Went viral on Reddit · 5,000+ upvotes

↑ Click to snap

3D-printable structures
that snap between two states.

I built an algorithm that generates bistable structures — they click satisfyingly between two stable positions, like a snap bracelet or a clicky button. No springs. No moving parts. Just TPU.

It works on TPU 90A. Now I need testers with different printers and filaments to push it further.

Free · Open algorithm · No signup required to download the test model

5K+

Reddit upvotes

289

Comments & DMs

Printers to test

r
r/3Dprinting · Original post ⬆ 5,052

"I got this first version to work with TPU 90A, but it was hard to get find the right settings. So I am curious to see if it also works with other TPUs / printers. Is anyone willing to test the first model and possibly follow-ups?"

EDIT: Wow!!! You're amazing! I got lots of DMs and will also contact the ones who commented 🎉

What is a bistable structure?

Two stable positions. A satisfying snap between them. No electronics, no springs.

Two stable states

The structure rests naturally in two positions — flat or popped. It stays put in each state without any force.

Snaps with a click

Push past the threshold and it snaps to the other state with a satisfying click. Like a snap bracelet or a light switch — but 3D printed.

Algorithm-generated

Based on a SIGGRAPH paper, the geometry is mathematically computed. The goal: a website where anyone can generate their own shapes.

Based on peer-reviewed research

Computational design of bistable morphing structures — doi.org/10.1145/3450626.3459940 (SIGGRAPH 2021)

What I need from you

No experience required. Just a printer, some TPU, and curiosity.

You'll need

  • FDM 3D printer (any brand)
  • TPU filament (any shore hardness — this is what we want to test!)
  • ~30 min to print + share your results
  • Willingness to try different settings if the first attempt fails

You'll get

  • Early access to new test models as the algorithm evolves
  • First access to the generator website when it launches
  • Credit in the project (name + printer in the results database)
  • A genuinely cool thing to print and show people 😄

Test model already available

The alpha test model (bistable bowl structure, TPU) is on MakerWorld — free to download right now.

Open on MakerWorld

Join the test community

Tell me your printer and filament — I'll send you the latest models to test and keep you updated as the algorithm improves.

No spam · No account required · Unsubscribe anytime

What's coming

The end goal: a web app where anyone can generate their own bistable structure.

Algorithm working on TPU 90A

First bistable bowl structure printed successfully

Community testing across printer/filament combos

This is where you come in — helping map which settings work

3

Algorithm parameter testing

Sharing different parameter sets to test shape variations

4

Public generator website

Enter your parameters, download your custom bistable structure

Join as a tester — it's free