Parametric Yo-Yo

thingiverse

Using OpenSCAD, print variously shaped yo-yos with "Imperial" or "Butterfly" designs. The shape of each yo-yo half is based on an ellipsoid formed by scaling a unit radius sphere using different scale factors for the z-axis and x/y axes. Faces are created by differencing cubes, offset from the xy plane, with the ellipsoid. A hole for the axle is formed by differencing a cylinder from the modified ellipsoid. All parts and assemblies are translated to sit on the XY plane and centered at (0, 0). Additional options include cutting patterns into outside faces, large cutouts in those faces, and voids within the yo-yo halves for varying moment of inertia. Axles can be printed or cut from various materials, while complete yo-yos can be rendered with both halves and axle assembled. Printing parameters such as hole diameter and axle length should be adjusted to ensure proper connection between parts. Star01.stl is a centered, XY-planed version of a star from Thingiverse. Share your printed yo-yo photos and follow the instructions in the script for using different parameters and choosing appropriate axle materials and lengths.