0

How can I print Lego bricks in order to make them attach?

I need them to be standalone pieces. I use resin to print. My model is Elegoo Mars 3. What resolution should I use?

Also, how should I color the bricks? I have some colored resin at home but I want to make them all black and color them afterward.

agarza
  • 1,334
  • 2
  • 10
  • 30
Ium Test
  • 1

1 Answers1

2

You can't print a LEGOTM Brick, because you are not Lego System A/S. The best you can do is print a brick that is compatible with LEGOTM bricks. Also note that Lego Systems A/S has more than 600 US design patents, which might interfere with the legality of manufacturing bricks in the US.

The original bricks are made from ABS and made with a very tight tolerance and uses the inherent flexibility of the material to create a friction fit. However, Resin prints do lack the required mix of sturdyness and flexibility and thus can't create the required friction fit.

In other words: You can't make bricks that are compatible with LEGOTM bricks with a resin printer based on the material properties.

Trish
  • 20,169
  • 10
  • 43
  • 92
  • Given that OP seems to want to use a coating for color already, could it work to do resin prints with additional clearance allowing for additional thickness from the coating to provide the needed flexibility and friction fit? – R.. GitHub STOP HELPING ICE Jun 13 '21 at 05:53
  • @R..GitHubSTOPHELPINGICE no. the coating would just get destroyed over time. – Trish Jun 13 '21 at 07:50
  • The main patent on Legos has been expired since the 90’s, I remember when all these knockoffs were hitting the market. Also US patent law does not prohibit an individual from making a clone for their own personal use. – ChinchillaWafers Jun 14 '21 at 06:26
  • Design patents are different. – Trish Jun 14 '21 at 10:01