NASA-Style Hexagonal Flexible Mesh/Fabric (Reinforced) l Full design process included (Fusion 360)

🧩 NASA-Style Hexagonal Flexible Mesh

Created by KNINcustom · Explained step-by-step on my YouTube channel 🎥

👉 https://www.youtube.com/@KNIN_Custom

🔍 Description

This is a NASA-style hexagonal flexible mesh, designed from scratch in Fusion 360.
Its hex pattern provides isotropic flexibility — it bends smoothly in multiple directions — while minimizing friction and jamming between links.
You can watch the full design process and detailed explanation in my YouTube tutorial 👇

🎥 Full video:

🧱 Files included

SINGLE LINK STEP FILE (.step) → One single link to study or modify.

FULL LINK HEX STEP FILE (.step) → Central link plus six surrounding links, perfect for Fusion 360 editing.

SMALL TEST HEX PATTERN (.stl) → 7-link small sample for printer tests or flexibility checks.

HEX PATTERN STL (.stl) → Standard hand-sized model.

BIG HEX PATTERN STL (.stl) → Large version (about palm-width, ~15–18 cm), great for demos or decorative prints.

⚙ Printing tips

Material: PLA or PETG

Layer height: 0.2 mm (or smaller for smoother joints, use adaptative layers).

Infill: Due to the small size it doesnt matter, use at least 3 walls.

Speed: Standard printing speed for your printer.

Supports: Not required.

💡 Notes

The SMALL TEST file is perfect for tuning slicer settings before printing the full mesh.

In the YouTube video, I show how to avoid fusion between links and how the design behaves compared to the square mesh.

Both .step files can be modified to create your own custom mesh patterns or scales.

🌐 More resources

📘 Complete Fusion 360 Course (in Spanish):
👉 https://knincustom.com/pages/cursos

📺 Find us on YouTube:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@KNIN_Custom