Metriccano Construction Toy And Prototyping Tool

Metriccano is not only a good toy, but it puts the “rapid” back in “rapid prototyping.” There is a library of parts based on 10mm centres that can be fastened together with ordinary M3 screws and nuts. While it looks like a construction set for inquiring minds, it is also very useful for making modular prototypes with parts that are frequently replaced and updated.

It is based loosely on Meccano (I believe the American copy is called “Erector Set”) created in 1901 by Frank Hornby of model railway fame, but upgraded to metric units. The parts can be 3D printed in various orientations, and combined to produce your own special parts. They can also be combined with your own models so that you can create assemblies that join to each other or fit on a common frame - and your old parts can be directly recycled into other projects!

There is a sampler plate of printable Metriccano parts in the Files section. If there is a part you want and it is missing, or you want it as a separate model from the sampler plate, please let me know in the comments below and I will create it for you - I also welcome contributions.

If your part doesn't quite line up with the Metriccano parts, I have thought of that and included an “Adjustment Plate” with slots in :)

I have included an SVG of a baseboard too, for those lucky enough to have access to a laser cutter. Of course, you can lasercut Metriccano too…

An OpenSCAD library available here which contains the latest versions of all parts, and it can be included in your own OpenSCAD designs as a library. For the less technical, just import the downloaded desired part into TinkerCAD and join it to your model.

The OpenSCAD library is released under the GPL, but I won't complain if you use the STL files under CC share-alike licences.

Because this is Printables, here is some basic printing advice: Print the parts optimised for strength (20%40% infill, 4 walls minimum) without support or brim if you can. I use plain, quality PLA with 0.2mm layers. 

Historical note: The first RepRap 3D printer prototype was built from Meccano and a glue gun, which evolved to become the Prusa. The current RepRap project, RepRapMicron, is being developed with Metriccano so things have come full circle.