The Dutch artist M.C. Escher (1898-1972) became known for his “impossible figures“, which also inspire the maker world to ever new 3D print creations. Some of the illusions and their reinterpretations are presented here.
Birds
Source: Thingiverse, hachihung
Maker “hachihung” chose Escher birds. He printed a white bird looking to the right and a yellow bird looking to the left. You can then expand the structure according to your mood. Nice: The maker has also posted a video, with which you can follow how the bird sketch developed into a printable 3D model:
Found on Thingiverse, Maker: hachihung
Windmill
Source: Thingiverse, Taco3D
Maker “Taco3D” tries out windmill and tunnel designs inspired by Escher. He also introduces you step by step how he came to the model and the result. But note: The print job is not easy, especially if your printer is prone to warping effects.
Found on Thingiverse, Maker Taco3D
Penrose Triangle
Source: Thingiverse, DrLex
The so-called Penrose Triangle consists of three bars, each of which seems to be at right angles to each other, but are connected to form a triangle. This model is available in two versions: A larger triangle for viewing from near and another for further away and smaller prints.
Found on Thingiverse, Maker: DrLex
Sugar Cubes
Source: Thingiverse, chylld
There are no limits to the possibilities in 3D printing: The same optical illusion can also be created with cubes that are reminiscent of sugar cubes. By the way: The Penrose Triangle was invented by the Swedish artist Oscar Reutersvärd, named after the mathematician Roger Penrose and Escher was inspired by the “impossible form”.
Found on Thingiverse, Maker: chylld
Penrose Stairs
Source: Thingiverse, kenji1206
Mmmmh!? Where is it going upstairs and where downstairs? This variation of the Penrose Triangle also makes us ponder and deceives our perception. One gets the impression of an endless staircase.
Found on Thingiverse, Maker: kenji1206
Lizards
Source: Thingiverse, Cluelessdweeb
These colourful, interwoven lizards à la Escher were printed with an FDM-3D printer and can easily be put together.
Found on Thingiverse, Maker: Cluelessdweeb
Cube
Source: Thingiverse, lhzeferino
Here the fascinating lizard mosaic in cube form, which was printed with a Makerbot.
Found on Thingiverse, Maker: lhzeferino
iPhone Case
Source: 3DShook
If you want to surround yourself with the Escher style every day, you can make this stylish iPhone 6 case. You need about 18 grams of filament and about three hours of patience.
Found on 3DShook. Price: 3$
Camera Cover
Source: Thingiverse, toliajo
If you want to secure your privacy, you can print this stylish Escher lizard to cover your laptop camera. This one was made with an Ultimaker 2.
Found on Thingiverse, Maker: toliajo
Knot
This impressive Escher knot was made in four hours with a UP! 3D printer.
Found on Thingiverse, Maker: kenji1206
Asterisk
Source: Thingiverse, thingsterv
For such an Escher-inspired star, the file is printed twice and the two halves are then glued together. Practical: Maker “thingsterv” has added support structures to the star file so that you can print a perfect result. As you can see here, you can print two stars in different colors and sizes according to your taste.
Found on Thingiverse, Maker: thingsterv
Cats
Source: Thingiverse, Suekatcook
Cool flock of cats, which also looks good in several colors. Maker “Suekatcook” gave the kittens a hole in the ear, so that they can optionally be used as pendants or earrings.
Found on Thingiverse, Maker: Suekatcook
Mug
Source: Thingiverse, joris
This chic cup with fish print was made in less than half an hour!
Found on Thingiverse, Maker: joris
Mural Painting
Source: 3DShook
For these intricate, writing hands, which you can hang up as a mural, you have to plan about 150 grams of filament and up to 10 hours of printing time.
Found on 3DShook. Price: 7$
Fishes
Source: Thingiverse, frankvdh
M.C. Escher drew these pretty fish in 1938. 80 years later, you can print them with your 3D printer in the colors of your choice and enjoy them. Maker “frankvdh” made them with a Printrbot Simple.
Found on Thingiverse, Maker: frankvdh
Mosaic
Source:Thingiverse, SteedMaker
Finally, a mosaic consisting of several puzzle pieces, which introduces pupils and students to mathematical thinking and encourages them to new creations. The young makers develop a feeling for all the variety of patterns in our environment. 3D printing then helps to change the discovered physical forms in order to create artistic, “impossible” images.
Found on Thingiverse, Maker: SteedMaker
