Construction set

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A construction set is a set of standardized pieces that allow for the construction of a variety of different models or buildings. The pieces avoid the lead time of manufacturing custom pieces, and of requiring special training or design time to construct complex systems. This makes them suitable for temporary structures, or for use as children's toys.

[edit] Categories

Construction sets can be categorized according to their connection method and geometry:

• Struts of varying length, and connected by nodes. These are good for building spaceframes but often have components that allow full rotational freedom as well
  • C_∞ nodes: Systems scaffolding
  • C_2v (*22) nodes: unistrut
  • D₄ (*224) nodes: most plumbing and HVAC components
  • D_8h (*228) nodes: k'nex, toobeez, tinkertoys, pipeworks
  • O_h (*432) nodes: mero
  • I_h (*532) nodes: zome

• Panels of varying size and shapes
  • Connected by pins or screws perpendicular to the panels (good for building linkages): erector set, meccano, Steel Tec, technic, trix, metal lumber
  • With flexible panels or hinges between panels: Tog'l, Jovo,

• Building blocks with various methods of connection
  • No connection: toy block, Anchor Stone Blocks, kapla
  • Lego style connection: Lego, Merkur (toy), coko, rasti, tente
  • Notches: lincoln logs, GIK, stickle bricks
  • Sleeves: Capsela