3D-printed spiral fidget spinner, optical illusion — HYPNOS
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In the box
- 1 3D-printed spiral fidget spinner
All you need to know
Optical illusion 3D printed The HYPNOS spiral top is a star-shaped fidget top, made of dozens of thin, stacked and offset blades that form a spiral. At rest, it looks like a small sculpture; spun between the fingers, it transforms into an optical illusion: the blades appear to ripple, swirl and sink towards the center like a vortex. Made of 3D printed plastic, layer by layer, it is lightweight and can be spun with a simple gesture thanks to its notched central stem. It comes in two sizes, Small (8.7 cm) and Large (11.8 cm), and in six colors: multicolored, purple and blue, blue and green, red and yellow, pastel, and a phosphorescent version that glows in the dark. A fun desk accessory to spin during a break, place next to the keyboard, or give to an enthusiast of unusual objects.
Why the spiral seems to move on its own
The HYPNOS effect relies on retinal persistence. Our eye retains an image for a fraction of a second after seeing it. When the top spins, the offset blades of the spiral move faster than our brain can follow: the images overlap, and we perceive a movement that does not exist, a wave that seems to rise or dive towards the center. It is the same principle as the spiral discs of old optical toys.
The shape itself is only possible thanks to 3D printing. The machine deposits melted plastic layer by layer, which allows the construction of these dozens of thin and regular blades, impossible to obtain by simple molding. We can also see the fine striations of the successive layers, a signature of this manufacturing method.
What we love
The HYPNOS spirit
A few seconds of dizziness
In Greek mythology, Hypnos is the god of sleep. We borrowed his name because this top has a funny power: as soon as it spins, you cannot take your eyes off it.
We spin it between two emails, and the spiral comes to life: the blades seem to flow towards the center, then rise again as it slows down. A few seconds are enough to lose yourself, smile, and get back on track.
At the office, it intrigues colleagues; at home, it passes from hand to hand. And the phosphorescent version holds one last surprise: when the lights go out, the star lights up with a soft blue glow.
Spin HYPNOS in 4 steps
Our desk tops
| Criterion | HYPNOS | AXIOME | NOLAN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Effect | Spiral optical illusion | Sphere that seems to float | Stable gyroscopic rotation |
| Material | 3D printed plastic | Zinc alloy | Metal |
| Sizes | 8.7 or 11.8 cm | 6.5 or 7.7 cm high | About 3 cm |
| Colors | 6 colors, including phosphorescent | Several combinations | Silver |
| Weight in hand | Light | Dense | Dense |
| For whom | Enthusiast of visual effects and colors | Design-minded and contemplative | Cinephile, precision enthusiast |
Good to know: the Phosphorescent version is white in daylight. It charges in the light (sun, lamp) and then emits a blue glow in the dark that gradually fades; you just need to expose it to light again to recharge it, without batteries or electricity. Spun in the dark, it creates a very successful luminous vortex.
Tip: for the most spectacular effect, choose the Large size and spin it on a very smooth surface. If an edge of the top has slightly deformed during transport, a puff of warm air from a hair dryer, held at a distance, will soften it and allow you to reshape it. Avoid, however, very hot air or holding it too close, which could deform the blades.
Specifications
| Type | Optical illusion fidget top |
| Shape | Spiral star with tiered blades |
| Material | 3D printed plastic |
| Small Size | 8.7 cm diameter |
| Large Size | 11.8 cm diameter |
| Colors | 6: multicolored, purple and blue, blue and green, red and yellow, pastel, phosphorescent |
| Spinning | By hand, by the notched central stem |
| Battery or power | None |
| Recommended age | 14 years and up |
| Use | Desk accessory, decoration, optical curiosity |
Note: HYPNOS is a curiosity object made of 3D printed plastic, recommended from 14 years. Its blades are thin: avoid bending it, dropping it, or exposing it to high heat (car rear window, radiator), which could deform it. The fine striations visible on the blades are normal and inherent to 3D printing. Colors may vary slightly depending on the batch, especially for the pastel version.
A small gift that makes an impression
Easy to slip into a package, HYPNOS makes an original small gift for a colleague, a teenager passionate about unusual objects, or a science and optical illusion enthusiast. Ideal for a birthday, a Christmas gift, or a Secret Santa at the office.
To complete the desk of a curious person, pair it with the AXIOME floating sphere top, the NOLAN gyroscopic top, or another object from our physics and motion selection.
Pair with
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the top's optical illusion work?
The top is made of dozens of thin blades stacked and slightly offset, forming a spiral. When it spins, these blades move too fast for the eye to distinguish them one by one: thanks to retinal persistence, the images overlap and the brain perceives a wave that seems to flow towards the center or rise towards the edges. The effect changes with speed: very clear at launch, it evolves as the top slows down. Look down at it to fully enjoy it.
Which size to choose, Small or Large?
The Small size measures 8.7 cm in diameter: compact, it slips into a pocket or drawer and remains discreet on a desk. The Large size measures 11.8 cm: with more visible blades, it offers a more spectacular illusion and a more decorative presence when at rest. For a first purchase or a gift that must surprise, we recommend the Large; for a small gift or a collection of colors, the Small is perfect to start.
Does the phosphorescent version really glow in the dark?
Yes. The Phosphorescent version is white during the day. After being exposed to light, whether from the sun or a lamp, it emits a blue glow in the dark. This glow is strongest right after turning off the lights, then gradually fades. You just need to put the top back in the light for a few minutes to recharge it, without batteries or electricity. Spun in the dark, it creates a very successful luminous vortex.
What material is the top made of?
HYPNOS is made of 3D printed plastic. The printer deposits melted plastic layer by layer, which allows the creation of these thin and regular blades impossible to mold. The fine horizontal striations that can be seen up close are the trace of these layers: they are normal and are not a defect. The plastic makes the top lightweight, silent when spinning, and without the risk of scratching the desk.
Are the colors identical to the photos?
The multicolored, purple and blue, blue and green, and red and yellow versions feature a color gradient: the shades are faithful to the photos, but their distribution may vary slightly from one top to another. The Pastel version is the most random: each piece features a different blend of soft tones (pink, yellow, sea green, sky blue). The Phosphorescent version is white by day and bluish in the dark.
What to do if an edge is slightly deformed upon receipt?
Since the blades are thin, it may happen that an edge curls slightly during transport. No worries: pass a puff of warm air from a hair dryer over the area, holding it at a distance, then gently put the edge back in place with your fingers and let it cool. The plastic softens with heat and regains its shape. Avoid, however, very hot air or holding it too close, which could deform the blades. If the problem persists, contact us.
Is it a good gift idea?
Yes, it is an original small gift that always makes its effect the moment you spin it for the first time. It appeals to teenagers from 14 years old, adults who like unusual desk objects, and science and optical illusion enthusiasts. It is well suited for a birthday, Christmas, a Secret Santa among colleagues, or a thoughtful gesture without occasion. Paired with the AXIOME top, it makes a nice duo of moving objects.
