Triforce Fidget Spinner

cults3d

At the request of a number of Thingiverse members, I've created this 'Triforce' spinner that's very similar to my previous 'Fidget Spinner' design at http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2237509. It features designed-in bearings and is a one-piece print that should be almost ready to spin and fidget with straight off the build plate. Fidget Spinners are a popular toy all around the world, and this design provides the same ability to 'fidget' as any other 'Fidget spinner,' but it's a one-piece-print with no metal bearings required. It should be almost ready to spin straight off the build plate! The design features four designed-in bearings. With a well-sliced file printed on an accurate/precise machine, the bearings should be free or take very little effort to break free straight off the build plate. As soon as the bearings have been freed, add a small amount of lubricant to the moving bearing surfaces (refer images) and you're in business... ready to give your 'Fidget Spinner' a good spin. Is it as good as a spinner with metal bearings? Probably not, but they should still spin very well and are definitely fun to fidget with! You can spin your Triforce Fidget Spinner in several ways: a smooth-running spinner can be spun in just one hand by holding it in the center then flicking one of the arms from the top or bottom... or you can get a faster spin by hitting one of the arms with a finger on your other hand. As there are four bearings designed-in, you can also hold one of the outer bearings and flick the spinner around using them instead of the center bearing (refer images). TIP: Once all four bearings have been freed, apply a good spray of silicon spray or other light lubricant into the grooves between the main body and bearing on both sides of the spinner. Silicone is an amazing lubricant and a simple way to make 3D printed surfaces move really well against each other. WARNING: To achieve a great result printing this design, you need a good slicing app and accurate/precise machine due to the fine clearances applied. Although the clearances used should work satisfactorily with most slicing apps and machines, others may find it a challenge and fuse the parts together. Usually fused parts can be freed, however, the alternative is to uniformly scale the design up by 5%, which will increase the internal clearances. 'TIGHT' Version: A 'tight' file version has been added for members who have really accurate/precise/well-set-up machines able to print to very fine tolerances. This reduces the bearing clearance by approx. 0.1mm. On accurate/precise machines, this will ensure the bearings are not too loose and rattle when spun. They should run smoothly and give a superior spin if well-lubricated. An accurate/precise machine and slicing app is essential to get a good result. This is an easy print of a fun gadget but does require an accurate/precise slicing app and machine to achieve the necessary clearance between the moving parts so it will spin well and freely. Applying the lubricant is also essential to getting a really good spin and being able to spin it with just one hand (Metal bearings require lubrication too, so this just requires the same). Retaining the standard scale is recommended to maintain the designed-in clearances and also ensure sufficient space between your thumb and forefinger for it to spin. However, you can get creative with colors by pausing your machine multiple times mid-print and changing filament... print in your favorite color or color combination to make your own unique spinner. Triforce Fidget Spinner' also makes great gifts as well... and with this design, you don't need to buy any expensive metal bearings to achieve a similar result. Will a spinner with metal bearings spin better or longer? Probably due to the added weight, but this does a pretty good job at much lower cost and it's entirely 3D printed! Have fun... and please post images of your Triforce Fidget Spinners in use for other members to see. Please refer to the print settings/instructions and images for additional information. Higher than usual shells and infill are recommended as this adds weight which will help your spinner maintain momentum. Note: If you like this, check out the rest of my fun and practical designs.