3D Spiral Marble Fidget Toy

This model is one from my extensive Children's Toys Collection.

This 3D spiral marble toy is a fun little fidget gadget with a twist — literally. A 1/2 inch marble rolls inside the spiral track, which rises toward the center instead of staying flat. Just tilt the model gently and guide the marble along the three-dimensional spiral path.

The marble itself can also be 3D printed, so no extra parts are required — unless you prefer using a real 1/2 inch steel, glass, or ceramic ball.

How it works:

Make sure you have a marble ready before you start printing the spiral. The print needs to be paused at the specified layer so the marble can be placed into the track. After inserting the marble, simply continue the print. The model will close above the marble, keeping it permanently captured inside.
You can use a standard 1/2 inch marble, or print your own. The printed version consists of two hemispheres that are simply glued together.

Printing information

The STL files are correctly aligned.

Hemispheres

• 0.2 mm first layer height

• 0.1 mm layer height

• 2 Perimeters recommended

• 100 % infill recommended

• No supports required

Spiral

• 0.2 mm first layer height

• 0.1 mm layer height

• 3 Perimeters

• 10 % gyroid infill

• No supports required

• Pause the print at layer #123 / 12.40 mm to insert the marble.

The pause at this layer is not critical. The marble may stick out slightly above the print, but don’t worry — the nozzle will not touch it. During the rest of the print, the cooling fan may gently blow the marble around inside the track, so it might play a tiny round of football before it gets permanently trapped in its new spiral-shaped home.
Tip: To make sure the marble doesn’t get blown out of the track, you can place a small magnet in front of it. Think of it as a tiny goalkeeper keeping the marble safely on the pitch until the print is complete.

I am looking forward to your Makes! :-)

If you like this design, feel free to check out my others here.