Crystal models

In the aim to quickly produce crystal models (I do not consider construction kits to be fast!) for educational or research purposes I investigated the use of rapid prototyping as a means of generating such models. The idea is to use some visualisation tool for crystal structures to create data which is then read into a CAD system, which then produces the data necessary to drive a RP system.

The first system do achieve this was written by Noel Kwek, which allowed to produce the model of pyrite shown below:

The next stage, currently investigated, is to make these models flexible in order to demonstrate phase transitions or vibrations. This is possible by, for example, to directly manufacture ball-and-socket universal joints (rubber-like material won't do as the flexibility would be at the wrong places). An example of such joints is shown in the following picture. The distance of the "atoms" is a few centimeters, and the model is strong enough to create models with, say, up to a couple of tenth of atoms in a volume of 100x100x100mm (pictures and code by Malcolm Tan). A model of quartz is in the make...