A minimal surface is a surface that is locally area-minimizing, that is, a small piece has the smallest possible area for a surface spanning the boundary of that piece. Soap films are minimal surfaces.

These eggs are sliced from various matrices of minimal surfaces. Here is a good starting point for learning about some of the surfaces selected: http://facstaff.susqu.edu/brakke/evolver/examples/periodic/periodic.html

Please message me if you have any suggestions or requests for minimal surfaces to “egg.”

All eggs are also available on Shapeways: https://www.shapeways.com/shops/davemakesstuff

The eggs are also featured in the video by Action Lab about minimal surfaces and black holes: https://youtu.be/_t-3lCZXlPM

The descriptions below offer specific suggestions for printing. One general word of caution is when using “tree” supports, be sure to add “support blocks” to prevent the tree structures from extending up into the interior of the egg. They’ll be impossible to remove.

Expect to do a bit of post-print cleaning with each piece.

Schwarz' P Egg

This relatively simple egg requires a small amount of tree support to the bottom bulge. This is a good one to start with.

Schwarz’ D Egg

The Schwarz D Egg has some overhangs that may not be properly supported by standard supports. The piece is provided plain and with custom supports.

Schoen’s Gyroid Egg

The Schoen’s Gyroid Egg requires tree supports for the bottom third or so.

Schoen's Batwing Egg

The Schoen's Batwing Egg is tricky in that it has some rather large horizontal surfaces. The model shown was printed with an extensive amount of tree support. While the overall structure held up, the undersides of the horizontal surface required a lot of cleanup.

Fischer-Koch S Egg

The Fischer-Koch S Egg has some overhangs that may not be properly supported by standard supports. The piece is provided plain and with custom supports.

Schwarz’ CLP Egg

This relatively simple egg requires a small amount of tree support to the bottom bulge. This is a good one to start with.

Schoen’s I-WP Egg

Schoen’s I-WP Egg requires tree supports for the bottom third or so.

Schoen’s F-RD Egg

Schoen’s F-RD Egg has some overhangs that may not be properly supported by standard supports. The piece is provided plain and with custom supports.

Schoen’s F-RD(r) Egg

Schoen’s F-RD(r) Egg requires tree supports for the bottom third or so.

Fischer-Koch C(Y) Egg

Fischer-Koch C(Y) Egg has some overhangs that may not be properly supported by standard supports. The piece is provided plain and with custom supports.

See here for a collection of minimal surfaces to use in your own designs: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4794791