UFO Spinner!

Probing New Possibilities of Spinning Technology!

Did you get your Alien3D UFO Box? Have you got 25 pennies? I know you got those two bearings!

Then all you have to do to bring the Alien Invasion into your own home is download these files and GET PRINTING!

This spinner can be printed with, or without, the pennies. However, to really make this "fly"* add a pause to your G-code to allow you place 25 pennies inside your saucer to give it some serious weight!

Assembly is easy! Clearances are tight, however, so you will want to print on a printer that is well calibrated and some gentle persuasion may be needed to get all the parts together. Rest assured, it CAN be done and the results are fun.

ONE WEIRD TRICK for better spinning!

If your bearings are lubricated with grease, that can slow spinning action. Before installing your bearings, test them - if they don't spin for more than a second, try this for a better spin:

1. Remove any shields from the sides of the bearing if they exist. You should see the ball bearings and bearing cage exposed once you do this. Do not remove the ball cage.
2. Fill a shot glass or similar small glass container with isopropyl alcohol.
3. Soak the bearings in the alcohol overnight
4. Remove the bearings from the isopropyl alcohol and allow to completely dry on a paper towel

5. Add a small amount of light machine oil to each bearing
   Following this process you will likely find your bearing will spin considerably better. I have made spinners with inexpensive bearings spin for 2 minutes or more!

   Let's see whatyou can do! All Alien recruits, report for duty!

*Please note: this toy does not literally fly. However, it can spin very, very well if you do it right.

If you want to support me and get GREAT filament at the same time, please visit Proto-Pasta using my affiliate link and get yourself some excellent HTPLA!

Print instructions

Category: Toys & Games Print Settings

Printer Brand: Prusa

Printer: i3 MK3

Rafts: Doesn't Matter

Supports: Yes

Resolution: 0.2mm

Infill: 20%

Filament: Unknown PLA Silver
Notes:

For the best details on the underside of the main body and the ports of the top, supports are strongly recommended. If not used, the circles will sag noticeably.

An M600 (filament swap on some printers) can be added to the G-code just before the layer that closes over the penny reservoirs to allow you to add the pennies. CHECK YOUR PRINTER to ensure this works. If your printer doesn't support an automatic pause, you could try pausing it manually, although this method is not recommended.