Floating Tensegrity Globe - Levitating Earth Model
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Print a floating tensegrity Earth! Uses basic fridge magnets & fishing line.
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Model information
- Source
- Printables
- Category
- Physics & Astronomy
- License
- Creative Commons — Attribution — Noncommercial — Share Alike
This unique Floating Tensegrity Globe features the Earth’s accurate 23.44° axial tilt and uses a clever balance of magnetic force and string tension to look like it's levitating in mid-air. Because it is held together entirely by tension, if you give the globe a gentle bump, it will oscillate and swing smoothly like a pendulum before settling back into balance! The parts are designed to be mostly snap-fit, though a few dabs of super glue may be needed depending on your printer's tolerances. An unedited, entire Earth globe file is also included in the model files for common use or if you'd like to remix the project!
How to Print:
Base: Only needs the support of the top of the plug cavity if oriented correctly
Earth Halves: Turn on tree support
Plugs: Only top and bottom plugs require support
Plug Ties and Cylinder Guides: easy simple small prints
Other Notes
Use cylinder guides to hold Earth halves in position while gluing them together.
Magnet: Two strong fridge magnets needed (Max Size: 27mm diameter & 7.5mm height)
Line: Standard fishing line or anything that fits through the holes
Tensioning Tip: Don't knot the final section of the fishing line until everything else is fully assembled. Let the magnets naturally pull the parts together first. Once they are holding themselves up, pull the free end of the fishing line to adjust the tension, and tie the knot once you have achieved your desired gap distance.
(Note: Please refer to the diagram image below to see how to route the single piece of fishing line (hopefully it's understandable). The red dots represent the starting and ending knots of the line.)
