Otvinta.com -- 3D-Printable Mechanical Spinning Top

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. Assembly only takes minutes!

Introduction Video:

Download Link

Filename:

spinningtop.zip

Format:

.STL

Size:

2.55 MB

Last Updated:

2018-12-31

List of 3D-Printed Parts:

Qty

Filename

Description

8

st_segment.stl

8 of these, along with the top and bottom, form the outer body of the spinning top.

1

st_top.stl

The top part of the spinning top's body.

1

st_bottom.stl

The bottom part of the spinning top's body.

1

st_tip.stl

The part that touches the surface during spinning. To be screwed into the bottom.

1

st_clutch.stl

The main part of the overrunning clutch mechanism. To be mounted on the base.

3

st_pawl.stl

The lever that is mounted on a pin of the clutch to ensure one-way rotation.

1

st_base.stl

The ratchet ring on which the clutch is mounted.

3

st_ring.stl

The retaining ring which secures the pawl on its pin.

1

st_rod.stl

The spiral rod which is manually pumped to put the spinning top in motion.

1

st_sleeve.stl

The ring that is attached to the rod to prevent it from slipping out of the assembly.

1

st_handle.stl

The knurled handle that is screwed onto the top of the rod.

Hardware:

10 Metric Phillips-head countersunk M3x12 screws;
8 Metric M3 nuts;
48 US Penny or similar coin (optional).

Step 0 (Optional)

Insert US penny (or similar) coins in the inner grooves of the segments for additional weight and stability of the spinning top. Use 6 pennies per segments.

Step 1

Screw the handle onto the rod.

Step 2

Screw the tip into the bottom, put a thin metal object (such as an Allen key) through the hole in the tip to tighten.

Step 3

Insert the 8 M3 nuts into the hexagonal slots of the base. Secure them in place with wads such as balls of crumbled Bounty tissue.

Step 4

Do the same with the bottom.

Step 5

Assembly the overrunning clutch mechanism by putting the clutch inside the base, mounting the three pawls onto the pins of the clutch as shown here, and securing them with three retaining rings.

Step 6