Nov.4, 2014 | By Alec
3D printing is fun, but it can also be challenging. While basic shapes and pre-made STL files shouldn't be challenging at all, designing your own printable files is something else entirely. Specifically, achieving the exact geometric shapes that fit together and function as intended can be quite difficult at times.
This is what makes the Ghost Spinning Top, that can be found on Shapeways, so incredible. As can be seen in the pictures, the Ghost is an impressive geometric shape that is 3D printed as a single, beautiful piece. And as the YouTube clip below illustrates, its careful (and doubtlessly very time-consuming) design allows it to spin just perfectly. Impressive, isn't it?
Its name is even derived from its spinning effect. When spun at a high speed, the top's unique twisted wire design transforms into a fascinating, semi-transparent outline. It is only capable of doing so thanks to its very impressive geometric design. Looking slightly ghost-like, its name was easily chosen.
The Ghost top is 3D printed in metal, though there are a few options. These include: stainless steel, nickel, brass and even gold (coated). This will, obviously, affect the price. This cool toy can be bought on Shapeways here, though our Dutch readers can also purchase it in the MCHL retail store in Utrecht. Alternatively, a smaller, cheaper version of Ghost can be found here.
Of course, every top is custom printed so their spinning performance may vary slightly. However, as the clip below illustrates, they are capable of spinning for quite some time (the clip clocks it at an impressive one and a half minutes).
The Ghost Spinning Top in action:
These beautifully-designed creations have been developed by the Dutch designer Michiel Cornelissen from the studio Michiel Cornelissen Ontwerp. A design engineer with a degree from Technical University Delft and a decade of experience working at Philips Design, Michiel has made a large number of beautiful, functional and innovative designs. You can visit his website here.
Posted in 3D Printer Applications
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I would like to enquire about licensing this design for a promotional item for my company in Australia and would like to discuss pricing for this please- we will be offering metal printing ourselves and your design holds synergies with our company. I look forward to talking with you. brett@aether-tech.com
alwaysvin@rediffmail.com wrote at 7/16/2015 12:40:22 PM:
Looking this spinning top in India. Pl advice
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