FlipTop: The Magic Self-Flipping Top

The FlipTop is a one-of-a-kind spinning top, also known as a “Tippe Top,” that defies gravity and amazes anyone who watches it. When spun, it initially behaves like a normal spinning top, but after a few seconds it performs an incredible transformation: it flips upside down onto its tip while continuing to spin, with its base facing upward.

How It Works

Unique Shape: The bottom part of the spinning top is curved, while the top is flat. This design is essential for allowing the top to flip over.

Rotation: When the spinning top is launched, friction forces and angular momentum interact, gradually shifting its center of gravity.

Flipping: Once the center of gravity passes a certain threshold, the spinning top flips over and continues rotating on the opposite end.

Tips & Notes

Spin Fast: The spinning top needs to be launched at high speed. It may take a little practice at first to get the right technique.

Do Not Modify the File: It took a lot of time and many attempts to find the right balance of weight and dimensions. If you modify the file, you do so at your own risk.

Material: The material I used is PETG, but PLA should work just as well and you shouldn't have any problems. If anyone prints the spinning top in PLA before I do, please let me know via private message whether it works correctly.

I hope you enjoy the project!