Ball Screw Fidget
Print Profile(1)
Description
This item is fully printable and does not require any additional parts!
A satisfying mechanical fidget toy inspired by the smooth motion of a ball screw mechanism. Twist, slide, and roll the internal balls through the helical track for a simple but addictive desk toy experience.
This model is designed to be compact, tactile, and fun to use, with visible red balls moving through the slotted carrier as the mechanism turns. It makes a great print for anyone who enjoys mechanical toys, fidget gadgets, or display-worthy 3D printed mechanisms.
Features
- Smooth screw-style fidget action
- Uses small printed balls as the moving elements
- Compact desk-friendly size
- Great visual contrast with white body and colored balls
- Fun mechanical feel without electronics or hardware
- Simple, clean design that looks great on a desk or shelf
Printing Notes
Print the main body and balls separately for best results. A contrasting color for the balls is recommended so the motion is easier to see through the slot. Make sure the balls are cleanly printed with a 0.12 mm layer height, remove strings. I have had the most success by printing the balls object by object, since they have quite a high failure rate. This requires 3 separate prints for all the balls. I wanted to keep them brim free to minimize post processing.
The rest of the parts were printed on one plate with 0.2 mm layerheight.
The screw, aswell as the housing have a notch, running parallel to the rolling surfaces. This was implemented to put the Seam line inside the notch.
I used Bambulab PETG HF for this print.
Recommended Colors
White, black, or gray for the main body, with bright red, orange, blue, or neon balls for contrast. But Any color works
Documentation (1)
License
You shall not share, sub-license, sell, rent, host, transfer, or distribute in any way the digital or 3D printed versions of this object, nor any other derivative work of this object in its digital or physical format (including, but not limited to, publishing derivative works outside the Makerworld platform or hosting on other digital platforms). The objects may not be used without permission in any way whatsoever in which you charge money or collect fees. Subject to the above restrictions, derivative works may be published only within the Makerworld platform, and all such derivative works must be licensed under the same SDFL‑C license, without modification or additional terms. You may download the digital versions of this object, 3D print it, and display images, videos, or usage demonstrations of 3D printed versions of the object on personal social media platforms or Makerworld official channels, provided that no digital versions of the object are shared or distributed.
Comment & Rating (1)