The Achilles Praying Mantis

This is my updated Archimedes wind turbine design, reworked into a fully 3D printed wind spinner with a mechanical twist.

The wind turns the Archimedes turbine, which drives a gear train that moves the side wings up and down with inspiration from Strandbeest-style linkage motion. The result is a wind-powered kinetic sculpture that combines smooth turbine rotation with animated mechanical movement.

Everything is fully 3D printed.
No additional parts are needed.
No screws, bearings, rods, or hardware.

It is designed as a fun outdoor model, a kinetic display piece, and a mechanical print for people who enjoy moving designs.

Features

• Fully 3D printed
• No additional parts needed
• Wind-powered motion
• Archimedes turbine drive
• Gear-driven wing movement
• Strandbeest-inspired linkage action
• Great as a garden or balcony spinner
• Fun mechanical display model

Printing

• Print all parts in the shown orientation unless noted otherwise
• Best results with PETG for outdoor use
• PLA works well for indoor display or testing
• Use good wall strength for gears and moving parts
• Clean the joints and gear teeth after printing for smooth movement

Assembly

Assembly is simple and fully printed:

1. Print all parts
2. Install the the wing parts on the lower gears
3. install the wing gears to the frame
4. install the large gear
5. Install the front holder and the driver gear on the turbine
6. Fit the turbine into the frame
7. Mount it on the stand and let the wind do the rest

Notes

• A light cleanup of moving joints may improve motion
• Make sure you have a tight fit with the clips. Otherwise it will create friction on the gear house. The clips plate has a lot of spares, so don´t worry if you break them.
• It can help with some lube or WD-40 to lower friction after assembly

• PETG is recommended for weather resistance and durability

I wanted to create a wind spinner that is not only decorative, but also feels like a small wind-powered machine. The combination of the Archimedes rotor and the moving wings gives it a more alive, mechanical character than a standard spinner.

I hope you enjoy it, and I would love to see your makes and remixes.