Trinexus

Idea

From the beginning of the project, I knew that I wanted to create a closed three-dimensional structure, such as a sphere or a crystal. This idea became the starting point for the entire design process and influenced every decision I made.

At first, I explored different geometric shapes to find the most suitable foundation for the system. I considered both a diamond shape and a triangle, creating several sketches to compare their potential. After experimenting with both options, I realized that the triangle was the best choice. Its geometry offered greater flexibility and made it possible to build stable, complex forms from a single repeating component.

© Yelyzaveta Tkachenko

Prototype

Once I had chosen the triangle, I began thinking about its proportions and the placement of the connection slots. To better understand whether the system would work in practice, how it would look, and what dimensions would be most suitable, I created a cardboard prototype. I cut out several pieces and tested different ways of connecting them. The prototype showed that the shape worked well for my idea and confirmed that I could create the type of closed structure I had imagined. After this , I continued developing the design in Rhino.

© Yelyzaveta Tkachenko

Rhino

This project was my first experience working with Rhino. At the beginning, the software seemed quite difficult and overwhelming, so I spent a lot of time following tutorials and learning how its tools and functions worked. Once I became familiar with the program, the workflow became much easier and more intuitive.

Then I created the basic geometry of my component. Each side of the triangular element is 5 cm long. The connection slots are 1 cm long and 3 mm wide. The slot width was chosen to match the thickness of the MDF material while also taking the laser kerf into account.

© Yelyzaveta Tkachenko

Tests

Test 1

I carried out my first laser-cutting test immediately after designing the initial version of the component. The main goal was to check whether the connection slots fit together correctly and whether the joints were strong enough. The connections worked well, but I realized that having only three connection slots at the corners of the triangle would not be enough to create a closed three-dimensional structure. To achieve my original idea, I needed additional connections along the sides of the triangle. I tested this modification using my cardboard prototype and confirmed that the concept worked. Based on these results, I redesigned the component to include a total of six connection slots, creating a much more flexible and stable system.

Test 2

For the second test, I had already added the design to the component. This time, the connection system worked as expected, and I was able to assemble the closed structure that I had planned from the beginning. However, the test also revealed a new problem. The decorative lines were positioned too close to the connection slots, leaving very little material between them. As a result, the parts became too fragile and could break easily during assembly.

© Yelyzaveta Tkachenko

Test 3

To solve this problem, I increased the distance between the connection slots and the decorative lines. This became my third and final test. After testing the updated design, I confirmed that the parts were much stronger and that the system worked as intended. Once I was satisfied with the result, I laser-cut the final set of 30 components for the completed modular system.

Design

The design of each individual component is simple and minimal. From the beginning of the project, my main focus was on the system as a whole rather than on the appearance of a single piece. I did not want to overload the components with decorative elements that could distract from the overall structure.

For this reason, I chose to use only a few simple lines that emphasize the triangular shape of the component. When the pieces are assembled, these lines create additional visual patterns. The triangles appear to be divided into smaller triangles, and where three components meet, another small triangle is formed in the center. As a result, the triangular motif is repeated throughout the entire structure, reinforcing the main concept and creating a consistent visual identity for the system.

Final Produckt - Trinexus

In the end, I achieved the goal I had set at the beginning of the project. I created a closed three-dimensional structure built entirely from one repeating component, without the need for any additional connecting elements.

I chose the name TriNexus. The word „Tri“ refers to the triangle, the main geometric element of the project, while „Nexus“ means connection or link. Together, the name reflects the core idea of the project: a system in which triangular elements connect to create one unified structure.

© Yelyzaveta Tkachenko

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to say that I enjoyed this project. It was  interesting because it gave me the opportunity to learn new skills. Before this course, I had never worked with a 3D modeling program or a laser cutter, so everything was completely new to me.

As this was the second part of the Materials course, the schedule was quite intensive but even though it was sometimes challenging, I think the course was well structured and provided a good introduction to Rhino. At first the software seemed difficult, but after some practice it became much more intuitive and I plan to use it in future projects.

It was also very interesting to learn how laser cutting works and to see how digital models can be turned into physical objects. The project taught me the importance of testing and improving a design throughout the development process. I learned not to be afraid of taking a step back, making changes, and testing again if something did not work as expected. This experience showed me how important accuracy, prototyping, and iteration are for achieving a successful final result.