How to Make a Gyroscope That Defies Gravity

Precision gyroscopes are often hundreds of dollars and are used aircraft and drones. This project shows how to make a model gyroscope out of 3d printed parts and 608 bearings. It uses a hand-spun flywheel to demonstrate the effects of angular momentum, rotational inertia, and gyroscopic precession.

1. FDM 3D printer - To print the parts for the gyroscope, (I am using the Bambu Lab A1)
2. Filament - PLA (I am using Polymaker)
3. Size 608 bearings (13) - Adds weight and reduces friction on the flywheel. Fewer bearings can be used, but the effect on stability and spin will be reduced.
4. Superglue/Files - May be needed depending on the tolerance of your 3D printer in order to secure parts or clean up edges.

Gimbal (print 1): Print with circular flat side down

Rotor (print 1): Print with the notch inside the bearing hole on the plate,

Axle (print 1): Print vertical with curved slope face down print with outer brim for better bed adhesion

Gyro Sphere tip (print 2): Print on flat face

Pins (print 2): Print horizontally

Gyro stand (not necessary for the gyroscope, display stand): Print flat face down

Central Bearing:

1. Choose a low-friction bearing for the center of the rotor. Make sure to avoid greased bearings, as they increase resistance while spinning.
2. Press the bearing into the center hole of the rotor, pressing it against the bottom lip.
3. The fit should be tight enough that the bearing does not fall out.
4. If necessary, use superglue or light filing to improve the fit.

Spoke Bearings:

1. Place 2 bearings on each spoke of the rotor for weight.
2. Possible arrangements:
3. 4 bearings: 2 on opposite ends
4. 6 bearings: 2 on every other spoke
5. 8 bearings: 2 on every spoke, leaving two opposite spokes empty
6. 12 bearings: 2 on every spoke
7. Make sure to always place 2 bearings per spoke so they do not slide, which would disrupt the gyroscope’s balance.

Axle:

1. Slide the axle through the top of the rotor (lip facing down) and through bearing, pressing the axle into place
2. If necessary, use superglue or light filing to improve the fit.

Gyroscope tips:

1. Push pins into the holes at the bottom of the sphere tips
2. If necessary, use superglue or light filing to improve the fit.

Gimbal:

1. Hold the gimbal so the square holes in the axle and gimbal line up, then push the gyroscope tips with pins through to secure.
2. If necessary, use superglue or light filing to improve the fit.\

Tuning:

1. If the gyroscope wobbles, try to superglue the center bearing to the axle.
2. Finding a good central bearing is crucial for the functionality of the gyroscope.
3. I was able to get the gyroscope to spin for 1 minute and 25 seconds by hand spinning.

1. Hand spin the as fast as you can and place it on the stand, or rest it on the loop of a string.
2. Watch as the gyroscope defies gravity, precessing instead of falling.
3. The stand sometimes shakes when the the gyro spins which robs away the gyroscopes energy. Make sure to use carpet or tape to prevent slid