The only thing makers like more than building things is making systems to build things. [Eric Hunting] has compiled a list of these modular building systems.
You’ve certainly heard of LEGO, grid beam, and 80/20, but what about Troxes or Clickaloo? The 70 page document has a helpful index at the beginning arranged in families of similar systems followed by information about each and some helpful links.
As the well-known XKCD comic likes to point out, the issue with standards is that they tend to proliferate instead of getting adopted, so this might be a good list to check before you start to implement your brilliant spin on modular construction. It’s possible the right system is already waiting for you.
The list certainly isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a good place to start. If you do have the modular building system that will solve all the world’s problems though, by all means, send it to the tipsline!
Appreciate the effort, but would be better with pictures
Yes. Putting it away in the box: “you had one job”
Indeed that would really help figure out if any of the off the shelf stuff will be a good base for you in methodology.
As well as availability and some indication of scale – to take the example most folks will know all the Lego block families are ideal for different uses based on their scale, you want to build something bigger you don’t want to start with normal Lego block, maybe not even with Duplo but Quatro. And as in Lego’s case most of the blocks they have made will fit to the other sizes of block you can then step down the scales as you need to.
The list is super interesting, I agree with Manuel that some visuals and even some context would be beneficial. I’d be happy to help build a website around it, if that sounds interesting please let me know :)
Somehow I have the feeling that the text was written by an AI because it contains too much prose. For an AI, “building blocks” are certainly a good way to enter the real world from the virtual world.
I’m interested in 80/20 builds, related tools, hints, documentation, etc, but all I see around is 3D printers. Could anyone point me to more general information about them?
Missed out these folks who do aluminium beams for conference stands
https://bematrix.com/us/en-us
I’m a big fan of dimensional lumber and fasteners, myself.
Agree. There’s building, then there’s a Building. Go big or go home.