Many Makers begin their journey with Lego, either as a child or later as an adult enthusiast. Building models with Lego is both educational and therapeutic.

Note about 3D Printing compatible blocks

Lego blocks are highly accurate, injection-molded ABS plastic bricks. 3D Printers can approximate but rarely match the quality of a store-bought block. As a result, printed parts might not fit as snugly as the official branded ones. As they say, your mileage may vary.

Dimensions

The standard block measures 15.8 by 31.8 (which is essentially 16 x 32, but with a 0.2mm tolerance). The spacing between studs, known as the pitch, is 8mm.

Studs are 1.8mm tall and 4.8mm in diameter.

Block heights are given in standard units, which are 3.2mm high. For example, a single block might be described as 4x2, 3.

Tolerance

The length of a block is calculated as: Number of Studs x Pitch. To allow blocks to fit side by side, a tolerance of 0.2mm is added.

Columns

Blocks have columns underneath them to provide structural stability and to aid in connecting blocks together.

The pitch between columns is also 8mm, and the formula for the number of Columns is: Length - 1, Width - 1.

Types of Element

There are several types of block, termed elements. These include:

• Bricks
• Plates
• Tiles

You can design all three types of blocks with a single model and parameters using Fusion 360 (as well as other CAD applications). Check the videos above for a comprehensive tutorial.

Measurements