The project’s inspiration stems from a foreign friend who crafted chainmail using beverage can pull tabs—perhaps best translated as “Pull-Tab Chainmail.” Check out this post by that author; the design is incredibly ingenious and lends itself to a wide range of applications.

We experimented with 3D‑integrated printing to realize this structure, offering two distinct print orientations: an N‑shaped design for increased surface contact and a V‑shaped configuration optimized for superior build quality. The choice depends on which side you want to face outward—after all, overhanging surfaces can present some aesthetic challenges. To ensure successful printing, it’s essential to apply a thin coat of adhesive spray.

While the design incorporates several different pull tab configurations, they all share the same underlying structure. The key to achieving large‑area prints lies in ensuring strong adhesion during the first layer.