This fully 3D-printed mechanical spinning top is not only a fun toy, but quite educational too, and in more ways than one. Just like any spinning top, it demonstrates a fascinating physics phenomenon known as the gyroscopic effect, which prevents the toy from falling over while spinning. Also, nestled inside is a neat little mechanism which converts the reciprocal motion of the spiral rod to the one-way rotational motion of the spinning top's body. It is called the overrunning clutch, and we have managed to make it fully 3D-printed, even the torsion springs!
This fairly massive toy measures 20cm in its widest section, and not exactly a small project. However, the parts are designed in such a way that they are very easy to print and, with one exception, require almost no support.
For detailed and illustrated assembly instructions, please visit http://www.otvinta.com/download15.html.
| st_base.stl | 169.4KB | |
| st_bottom.stl | 444.4KB | |
| st_clutch.stl | 1.4MB | |
| st_handle.stl | 1.9MB | |
| st_pawl.stl | 57.9KB | |
| st_ring.stl | 20.4KB | |
| st_rod.stl | 1.7MB | |
| st_segment.stl | 159.5KB | |
| st_sleeve.stl | 383.5KB | |
| st_tip.stl | 294.8KB | |
| st_top.stl | 326.6KB |
