Spherical Flexure Joint Compatible with Prusa (Tetra 1 & 2)
Design preview. Rendered from the file, not a photo.
This model is not currently offered as a verified ready to buy print.
What it does
- Two tetrahedral flexure designs: Tetra 1 (115 mm pivot) & Tetra 2 (50 mm)
- Prints in standard PLA, no flexible filament needed
- 0.7 mm thin walls optimized for 0.4 mm nozzles
- Includes templates to customize your own joint geometry
- Research-backed design featured in academic publication and video tutorial
This spherical flexure joint brings precision motion to your 3D printed workshop tools. Designed as a compliant mechanism, it replaces traditional ball-and-socket bearings with flexible geometry, allowing smooth multi-axis rotation without separate moving parts. Two variants are included: Tetra 1 with a rotation point 115 mm from the top, and Tetra 2 with the pivot at 50 mm from the surface.
The design uses 0.7 mm thin walls that work perfectly with a 0.4 mm nozzle, creating two overlapping lines for optimal flexibility. Print in regular PLA, no TPU or specialty materials required. Customization templates are included so you can adapt the joint to your specific project needs.
Based on peer-reviewed research and widely adopted by the maker community for joysticks, pen plotters, and articulated mechanisms. The Tetra 1 design (requiring supports) matches the version demonstrated in the creator's tutorial video.
Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Prusa. Prusa and its product names are trademarks of their respective owners.
43k downloads in the maker community. That is interest in the design on the site it came from, not our sales.
What you get
- This design prints as one piece.
- Nothing else to print or buy for this to work.
What it is made of
Designs like this print well in PLA. Compare the materials.
Printed plastic is strong for its size, but it is not metal. We have not load tested this design, so we do not publish a weight rating. Keep it out of a hot car and away from open flame.
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Who made this design
Designed by Jelle_Rommers. We did not draw it.
Shared under Creative Commons, credit required. See the original design