Hexa Waves - Giant Wall Art

Hexa Waves

Hexa Waves is a large-scale 3D printed wall sculpture inspired by the natural basalt formations of the Giant’s Causeway on the Irish coast. The flowing, wave-like geometry recreates the feeling of shifting terrain and frozen motion, built entirely from lightweight printed panels.

Final dimensions: 1475 × 906 mm

Weight: approx. 6.5 kg

No backplate required.

Structure & Printing Overview

• 35 panels arranged in a 7 × 5 grid (labeled A1 to E7).
• Print only 2 panels at a time (strongly recommended).
• Although 3–4 panels fit on one build plate, print failures would waste significantly more time and material.
• Designed to minimize required supports through smart geometry.
• Uses Lightning infill. Panels are mostly hollow to reduce weight.
• Optimized for low material usage and structural efficiency.
• Approx. 7 spools of filament used (including 2 failed prints).
• Pure print time: ~13 days.
• Total project time including gluing and assembly: ~1 month.

Assembly Instructions

Start with A1, then continue with A2 and proceed row by row. Best method: assemble vertically and upside down.

All panels must be glued together and reinforced using printed connectors. There are two connector types: Vertical and Horizontal.

When inserting connectors, always support the backside with your flat hand to distribute pressure evenly.

As the structure grows larger, handle it increasingly carefully , the model is highly filigree and weight-optimized.

• One specific connector (horizontal between C2 and C3) must be temporarily left out, otherwise you block the mounting of the panels D2 and D3.

  

• Assemble all connectors between C3–C4–C5–C6–C7–D1–D2–D3 first.
• After D2 and D3 are fully placed and aligned, return to the horizontal C2–C3 connector and glue it in.

• Some panels partially interlock and must be slid into place rather than pressed straight in.

  

Adhesive & Material Disclaimer

• Using super glue with activator spray can react with certain filaments, especially silk PLA.
• This reaction may create white, matte, or cloudy surface spots.
• In this build, the effect only occurred on the backside and is not visible from the front.
• Activator should be used carefully and preferably not on visible surfaces.
• Always test glue and activator on a scrap piece first.
• Minor surface artifacts may appear on flat backside areas depending on printer tuning.
• These artifacts are not visible after installation and do not affect structural integrity.

Mounting System

• Uses 4 printed wall brackets.
• Brackets can be mounted using 4 mm or 6 mm screws.
• Print the bracket version matching your screw size.
• Use appropriate wall anchors unless mounting to wood.
• The 4 Wall brackets are positioned in a rectangular layout measuring 693mm in height and 663mm in width.
• Brackets are wedge-shaped so the artwork can be securely hung.
• Large backside openings allow easier alignment when mounting.