Graphite Molecular Model Kit - Molymod Compatible

UPDATE (27-Dec-2024): Bonds have been updated!

I have changed the geometry of the bonds to make using them easier/require less force. Model is now good to print!

The bonds are still compatible with genuine Molymod. 

A Molymod-compatible molecular model of graphite that you build yourself!

The kit includes:

• 45 (+2 spare) carbon atoms (trigonal bipyramidal geometry)
• 51 (+2 spare) grey bond links for covalent bonds
• 18 (+2 spare) purple bond links to represent the Van der Waals forces

More kits of different materials are coming soon - stay tuned!

Assembly instructions are below.

When using a bond or atom for the first time: Insert the bond with a twisting motion and give it a few twists to flatten any small imperfections. Attaching and removing bonds will become much smoother after doing this just a few times. It should no longer require much force to get them in and out compared to the old design, let me know in the comments if you have any feedback!

The bonds need a lot of support while printing as they're prone to swinging or lifting off the bed. They're much easier to remove with pliers! A few minutes with a pair of flush cutters cleaning up any blobs on the male part of the bonds helps a lot in making construction smoother/easier.

Note on tolerances: The tolerances on these are not perfect, and neither are the genuine Molymod ones. Because of the tiny variances in size between the atom holes and the bonds, some bonds may be too loose or too tight. If it doesn't fit, I recommend trying the other end of the bond and if that doesn't fit, just try a different one. I've made countless test prints to ensure that this bond works with both my atoms and real Molymods and to ensure a fit that lasts many uses - please let me know in the comments if you have significant issues with the tolerances or if you have any feedback!

Lastly, the real Molymod bonds are made of a soft-ish plastic and can handle some abuse - these PLA ones can't! Excessive bending or forcing on the bonds can cause them to snap (hence the spares).

ASSEMBLY