In this project, you’ll be designing and making a 3D printed spinning top. The aim is to create a spinning top that will spin for as long as possible! The process involves the analysis of an existing spinning top, generating design ideas using a method called feature variation models and bringing a final solution to life through an iterative design process. View the project details below and start a free trial to PrintLab today!
This project is rated as basic and is suitable for all those who have foundational skills in 3D design and 3D printing.
The estimated project length is 4 hours, excluding any 3D printing time. This estimate includes designing and making an initial set of 3 prototype spinning tops plus time for testing and creating 1 improved version. The project can be run in longer periods of time depending on the number of iterations you choose to make. We recommend breaking the project up into multiple sessions (e.g. 4 x 1 hour sessions), which will allow you to 3D print necessary objects between sessions.
To participate in this project, you will require:
The project learning platform takes you through the full iterative design process using a variety of media - from case study videos and Tinkercad/Fusion 360 3D design tutorials to design method instructions, learning documents and more.
As you move through each stage of the project, we guide you in filling in a Google Slides template to document your design process - resulting in a beautiful and professional portfolio of work.
Our teaching methodology is focused around creative freedom. By using various research, design and evaluation methods, you'll learn how to create a 3D printed spinning top that's completely unique!
With our education licenses, you can generate a share link to give your students access to the project learning platform. Each section of the platform also has a teacher instructions tab, which provides you with step-by-step lesson plan instructions, curriculum alignment resources and an assessment rubric.
This project is available to subscribers of PrintLab. Learn more about our license options and start a free trial today to access a whole range of resources across the fields of 3D printing, 3D design, assistive technology, product design and STEM.
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