14 DAY TRIAL // Spinning tops are one of the cooler things you may have been introduced to while growing up. You may have even used clock sprockets and gears instead of the genuine article. Indeed, clock parts often do better as spinning tops than actual spinning tops.
Disney Research has decided that it was high time spinning tops made a comeback, even if they didn't revive the standard shape of disk on a stick.
And since 3D printing technology is such a rave at the moment, they figured they may as well combine the best of both worlds. Their latest 3D modeling process is the result.
You see, what the scientists at Disney Research did was create a software process that can turn any 3D printed figurine into a spinning top.
Well, the 3D printed items you already own can't be run through the printer again, but any new ones you may want to make can be adapted to the point where they can spin on a central axis, or whatever passes for it.
The two main requirements of a spinning top are a central point that the object can balance on and an infill that provides enough weight for sustained motion once twisted hard enough.
Disney Research has created a set of algorithms that determine the best amount and distribution of both. You'll probably still get more spin time out of a clock or watch sprocket, but at least your ninja turtle or tiny tea kettle will spin for a while now.
There are limits of course. Some objects have too obscure a shape for the software to even know where to begin modifying the infill distribution. If an action figure is too heavy on one side, the attempt will fail, as it can simply be mathematically impossible to enable any sort of spin on a central axis. It can suggest to shrink an arm or leg though.
For most things, however, the software should be able to figure out how to distribute the internal plastic to enable some sort of balance. Even the gaps will need to be very specifically placed.
There is no practical application for this, only potential for fun, but recreation is practical in its own way. After all, we can go antsy or crazy without it, if we work too much without stopping for a bit of rest or fun. Assuming exhaustion doesn't catch up with us first.
