.25"(6.35mm) polyethylene tubing connectors .25" & .181"(4.60mm) center holes

These simple fittings were created to build a flexible framework that would hold fabric and scales for the neck of a large dragon puppet. I needed the framework to come apart if needed to access the inner mechanism for repairs or adjustments. I wanted the parts to be reusable and flexible.

My props tend to be sculptures actors work with, rather than engineered pieces, so I wanted to be easily able to change the overall shape by pulling apart a piece and recutting the tubing without having to dismantle the whole business. I expect I'll be modifying these files as needed going forward. This is a beginning of what is possible.

The pieces with 1/4"(6.35 mm) holes will accommodate the polyethylene tubing running through the center hole. The pieces with the smaller holes work with 1/8" pop rivets or small screws to attach the tubing to a framework, either to the aluminum or wood or whatever, with enough extra space to allow the piece to pivot around the rivet if needed. The holes also give space to sew or tie wrap decoration or electronics to the art piece, whatever it turns out to be.

I'll add photos of the final puppet as soon as I have the actors consent.

Print instructions

1.5 mm quality
Prusament PLA
20% infill

I printed 6-8 files at a time keep the prints times down to an average 2 hours.