These dual magnet half spheres are an adaptation of my previous half sphere magnet bodies. Instead of room for a single strong magnet, they take two smaller magnets. It's great for less serious attachment needs, or just for fidgeting.
Design features
- The bodies are 33 mm in diameter, which should pass the small parts test for children under 3 years old (please supervise your children and use your judgment at all times).
- The magnets are fully embedded and can't be removed (safer than a glued-on magnet).
- The half dome shape is deliberately hard for small children to manipulate once it's on a surface.
- When printing in flex filament it will hurt less when thrown. Also makes a good bumper for cabinets and refrigerator doors depending on the placement of your magnetic board in the kitchen.
- There are three sizes already rendered, 6x3mm, 8x3mm, and 10x3mm. All of them have the same spacing, so they can be compatible with each other.
- With the magnets inserted having opposite polarity, any two half spheres will connect with each other.
Printing instructions
- Choose the size you want (style and magnet size).
- I recommend flex with 10% infill.
- Slice the .stl file to include a pause after the magnet cavity (around 4.00 mm, depending on your layer height).
- Insert the magnets during the pause
- Place the magnets with opposite polarity so that any two of the finished pieces will be compatible with each other (unless that's not what you want).
- Glue isn't necessary for flex material, but if you're using something hard it will prevent rattles
- Note: The .gcode file I've included has a custom pause algorithm. Upon resume it will extrude a bit and begin a 4 second move to give you time to wipe excess material.
Usage instructions
- Print a few and make some fidget spheres, or just use it for hanging light things on a ferromagnetic surface.
Safety notes
- Magnets can be dangerous.
- Please supervise your children at all times.
Notes
- I designed this model in OpenSCAD and it's fully parameterized. If you'd like a simple modification (i.e., magnet size), send me a message and I'll see what I can do.
Adam
