Codex Volante: The Master’s Projection Archive

"In a dusty corner of a forgotten Florentine workshop, hidden behind rolls of vellum and rusted calipers, lies a box that holds the dreams of flight. It does not speak, yet when kissed by light, it reveals the secrets of the heavens."

Designed for the Old World Magic contest, the Codex Volante is an interactive 3D print. This artifact projects the blueprint for Leonardo da Vinci’s Flying Machine using nothing but geometry and a simple light source.

The Magic of Engineering

This model is a tribute to the era where magic and science were indistinguishable. It features two complex, mechanical doors designed to show the capabilities of your printer while providing a satisfying experience:

• The Mosaic Mechanical Door: A beautiful, intricate mosaic-style door that is Print-in-Place.
• The Tambour Sliding Door: A smooth, flexible track door, also Print-in-Place.
• The Blueprint Projection: By placing a flashlight (or even a phone light) against the hole in the back, the internal geometry projects Da Vinci's iconic glider onto your wall.

An Adventure in 8 Parts

The projection core is split into 8 individual cubes. This opens up a world of possibilities for tabletop gamers, DMs, or parents:

1. The Quest: Hide the cubes across your "world." The heroes must recover all 8 secret plans to stop the villain or escape the dungeon.
2. The Puzzle: The cubes must be oriented correctly within the box to form the coherent blueprint.
3. The Reward: Once assembled, the light reveals the path forward (the flying machine).

Recommended Print Settings

To achieve the "Ancient Artifact" look, I highly recommend the following material pairing:

• Frame/Box: PLA-Wood (Sand and stain for a realistic antique finish).
• Mechanical Parts: PLA-Silk Metallics (Gold, Bronze, or Antique Copper).
• Supports: Minimal supports required; the doors are designed to be printed in place!

Contest Note: Old World Magic

This creation is my entry for the #PrintOldWorldMagic contest hosted by Prime Tower Designs. It aims to capture that sense of wonder found in an alchemist’s lab, an object that feels timeless, crafted, and quietly magical.

 

If you like similar models that invoke that magical feeling, please check out Prime Tower Designs awesome Cryptatrope project:

 

Or check one of the other winners of the contest like these by StudioPrint.3D or Maroni:

 

Coming Soon: I am currently working on additional projection blocks featuring different Renaissance inventions and celestial maps!

#Contests #Hostedbycreator #PrintOldWorldMagic

Boost MeIf you enjoyed this model, please consider leaving a boost or a photo of your make! Seeing the Codex in different filament styles truly brings the magic to life.

Assembly Instructions

Follow these steps to awaken the Master's machine:

1. The Framework: Slide the back and side panels into the main box. Ensure the circular hole in the back panel is perfectly aligned.
    

2. The Slat-Lock: Gently flex the Tambour Door to loosen the print-in-place segments. Once moving freely, insert it into the provided rail position.

3. The Inner Seal: Close the box with the "Inner Lid." Ensure the Eye symbol is visible at the top.

4. The Great Mosaic: Flex the Mosaic Door to loosen the mechanism. Slide it onto the top lid and verify that the iris opens and closes smoothly.

5. Final Fastenings: Carefully press the Gear-style caps onto the pins. Use a gentle touch; if the fit is too loose, a tiny drop of CA glue will secure them.

6. The Pedestal: Insert the Standing Base into the bottom of the box. Again, if the fit feels loose, a drop of glue is recommended for stability.