Background:

I've been toying with the idea of making a necklace with a TPU base (because it is more comfortable and durable in thinner layers than PLA) but having a way to incorporate PLA parts since I have WAY more PLA than TPU and am NOT investing in tons more filament.

I started on an idea, but recently finally finished with it! Originally, I was going to have links that connected together during printing, but ended up going with this design instead and I think it makes for a stronger design.

Design:

This Necklace/Choker is made up of TPU links that have a ball/bump on one end and a loop on the other. They easily fit together very snugly so that they do not accidentally come apart. To make the necklace fun, the links have a hole in the center that perfectly fits a diamond-like gem that you can print out of any PLA filament of choice.

This can also be worn as a bracelet since you can link as may or as few together as you would like.

Originally, I was going to do loops on each end and put a jump ring on one end and a clasp on the other, but then I thought, why not make it continuous? This gives a seamless look and makes it safe for those with metal allergies. Also makes it easy to put on and take off.

Length / Size:

When it comes to length, you are limited by the size of the links but you could likely scale it down (just a bit) or scale it up to get a more exact size.

For length, I found that 13 links made it about 39cm or 15.35" which was a good length. It can be worn longer as it will still lay right.

10 links, which are about 30cm or 11.8" works well for a child.

Printing:

Everything prints VERY easily. The links print face up while the gems print face down. The gems have a hole in the center mostly to save on filament because they do not need to be solid.

Print Link Base with TPU filament, no special instructions are necessarily, just use your prefered TPU settings.

Gems are going to be printed upside down. With single color filaments, any settings should work. Texture looks nice with single colors.

If you are going to use a multi-colored filament for the gems, I recommend either increasing the perimeters for the whole thing or adding a modifier box and making sure the base layer is 15 perimeters (or whatever you need) so it prints it in one continuous direction to get the right color look. It also looks better on a smooth plate than a textured one.

I've posted some matching earrings: https://makerworld.com/en/models/91064#profileId-97412

Color Combos in Examples:

The main example is Black TPU base and multi colored Red/Yellow/Blue PLA for the gems.

Next is a Silver TPU Base with glittery Rose Quartz for the gems.

Lastly is a Clear/Natural TPU Base with Silky White for the gems.