FlipTop: The Magic Self-Flipping Top
The FlipTop is a one-of-a-kind spinning top, also known as a “Tippe Top,” that defies gravity and amazes anyone who watches it. When spun, it initially behaves like a normal spinning top, but after a few seconds it performs an incredible transformation: it flips upside down onto its tip while continuing to spin, with its base facing upward.
How It Works
Unique Shape: The bottom part of the spinning top is curved, while the top is flat. This design is essential for allowing the top to flip over.
Rotation: When the spinning top is launched, friction forces and angular momentum interact, gradually shifting its center of gravity.
Flipping: Once the center of gravity passes a certain threshold, the spinning top flips over and continues rotating on the opposite end.
Tips & Notes
Spin Fast: The spinning top needs to be launched at high speed. It may take a little practice at first to get the right technique.
Do Not Modify the File: It took a lot of time and many attempts to find the right balance of weight and dimensions. If you modify the file, you do so at your own risk.
Material: The material I used is PETG, but PLA should work just as well and you shouldn't have any problems. If anyone prints the spinning top in PLA before I do, please let me know via private message whether it works correctly.
I hope you enjoy the project!
You are prohibited from sharing, sub-licensing, selling, renting, hosting, transferring, or distributing the digital file or 3D printed versions of this object, as well as any other derivative work in either digital or physical form (including remixes).You are not allowed to use the objects in any manner that involves charging money or collecting fees without permission.
