Mechanical Spinning Top

https://youtu.be/pJcNTB6myL0

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.

For detailed and illustrated assembly instructions, please visit http://www.otvinta.com/download15.html.