Gyroid Water Filter (Blender)

Parametric open-cell gyroid lattice for aquarium bio-media or dog-dish inserts. Bicontinuous channels let water flow while hosting biofilm / catching debris.

Setup (once)

Install scikit-image into ./_deps using Blender’s Python (not system Python):

cd ~/Documents/gits/gyroid_filter
BLENDER_PY=/Applications/Blender.app/Contents/Resources/5.2/python/bin/python3.13
"$BLENDER_PY" -m pip install scikit-image --target ./_deps

GUI

1. Open Blender 4.x / 5.x
2. Scripting → Open gyroid_water_filter.py → Run Script
3. Press N → Gyroid Filter tab → Build Gyroid Filter
4. Export: File → Export → STL

CLI

BLENDER=/Applications/Blender.app/Contents/MacOS/Blender

# Aquarium cartridge
"$BLENDER" --background --python gyroid_water_filter.py -- \
  --shape cylinder --radius 40 --height 60 --cell 12 --wall 1.2 \
  --export "$(pwd)/gyroid_cylinder.stl" \
  --blend "$(pwd)/gyroid_cylinder.blend"

# Dog-dish insert
"$BLENDER" --background --python gyroid_water_filter.py -- \
  --shape bowl --radius 55 --height 35 --cell 14 --wall 1.4 \
  --export "$(pwd)/gyroid_bowl.stl" \
  --blend "$(pwd)/gyroid_bowl.blend"

Custom shape

1. Add CUSTOM_SHAPE Guide (or create any closed mesh)
2. Keep the object named CUSTOM_SHAPE and sculpt it to your dish / cartridge outline
3. Build with Shape → Custom — the gyroid is intersected with that volume

Parameters

Param	Meaning
Cell size	Gyroid period (mm). Larger → bigger pores, freer flow
Wall	Shell thickness (mm). Aim ≥ 1.0 for FDM
Resolution	Voxel size (mm). Smaller → smoother, heavier mesh
Level	Gyroid offset (0 = classic)

Print notes

• PETG / ASA / food-safe resin as appropriate for water contact
• Rinse thoroughly before use
• Mechanical / biofilm media only — not a sterilizer