Optical Top

myminifactory

I created a spinning top using old CD/DVD media, giving a nod to the classic discs that once dominated our digital lives. My inspiration came from a thingiverse project, designed by gsyan, which sparked my creativity and got me thinking about experimenting with different materials. Using my Anet A8 3D printer, I pushed the boundaries of what's possible with MatterControl 1.7, layer height set at .2 mm, 30% infill, 3 perimeters, 3 top layers, and 3 bottom layers. The domed base took 59 minutes to print (34mm x 17mm & 6.16g PLA), while the pointed base required 49 minutes (34mm x 17mm & 3.91g PLA). Meanwhile, the stem took a whopping 80 minutes to complete (20mm x 40mm & 6.26g PLA). As I experimented with different configurations, I discovered that more disks equal more mass, resulting in longer spin times. I've successfully printed up to six disks at once, each one adding to the overall momentum of the spinning top. The stem features a shoulder-to-center alignment on a 15mm hole, while the bases fit snugly into the hub ridge on the underside of the disk. Designed using Fusion360, this project pushed my creativity and skills to new heights. UPDATE: I've since added a base that holds a marble! A standard marble can range from 15-17mm in diameter, but my part is specifically designed for a 16mm marble. With lower friction comes longer spin times, and with six disks in place, I've managed to achieve spins of over a minute and a half. The marble base took 80 minutes to print (34mm x 26mm with marble (21mm without) & 7.45g PLA), but the result is well worth it - a mesmerizing spinning top that's sure to captivate anyone who lays eyes on it.