Dragon Scale Flexible Mesh/Fabric l Full design process included (Fusion 360)
Description
PDF🐉 Dragon Scale Flexible Mesh
Created by KNINcustom · Explained step-by-step on my YouTube channel 🎥
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@KNIN_Custom
🔍 Description
This is a Dragon Scale–style flexible mesh, entirely modeled from zero in Fusion 360, inspired by an existing dragon scale pattern concept.
The design is completely original and built during the YouTube video tutorial, where I explain every step of the process.
This mesh is ideal for decorative prints, textured covers, flexible panels, or artistic projects.
Compared to the NASA-style mesh, this one focuses on aesthetic customization — it’s less flexible, but allows you to add textures or ornaments on top without losing print reliability.
🎥 Full video tutorial:
🧱 Files included
SINGLE LINK DRAGON SCALE STEP FILE (.step) → Single scale link, useful for studying geometry.
FULL LINK DRAGON SCALE STEP FILE (.step) → Central link with six adjacent scales, for parametric editing.
SMALL TEST DRAGON PATTERN (.stl) → Small 5-link sample, ideal for quick test prints.
DRAGON PATTERNS STL (.stl) → Standard version (fits in hand), perfect for aesthetic or flexible panels.
BIG DRAGON PATTERN STL (.stl) → Large version (about palm-width), great for decorative use or display.
⚙ 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 (5 links) is perfect to check layer adhesion and spacing before printing larger versions.
The scale pattern can be customized or modified in Fusion 360 using the provided .step files.
Although inspired by a previous “dragon scale” concept, this mesh was redesigned entirely from scratch and demonstrates a different geometry and connection system.
In the YouTube video, I also compare this pattern with the NASA-style hex mesh, highlighting their design differences.
🌐 More resources
📘 Complete Fusion 360 Course (in Spanish):
👉 https://knincustom.com/pages/cursos
📺 Find us on YouTube:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@KNIN_Custom
Model origin
The author remixed this model.
Differences of the remix compared to the original
This version was completely redesigned from scratch in Fusion 360.
I used the original “Dragon Scale Fabric” model by ftobler only as inspiration for educational purposes, to demonstrate how to create this type of flexible mesh during a YouTube tutorial.
The geometry, dimensions, and modeling process are entirely my own.
The result behaves slightly differently — it’s a bit more flexible and optimized for 3D printing tutorials — but it’s not a modification of the original file.
This model was created as part of my teaching content for design education and demonstration in Fusion 360.
