Molecular Borromean Rings model

thingiverse

Chemists dared to create a molecule emulating the iconic Borromean rings, three entwined rings whose interconnections none share, a challenge driven by six zinc ions symbolized by the spheres in this image, vital for both its synthesis and structural integrity. This 3D model provided as an STL file has been downscaled to accommodate glass marbles measuring 16 millimeters in diameter; it can also be easily resized to suit balls of various sizes, such as those utilized in a pinball variant also featured here. Similarly crafted with precision to the molecular structure itself, this miniature tends to destabilize unless all marbles are carefully placed within their concave recesses carved along the inside edges of each ring's curvature.