Low Poly Nesting Container

A matryoshka of low-poly tessellated spiral containers using standard + vase-mode printing!

This is my fidget art design. I designed this to be endlessly satisfying to fidget with, stare at, and move. It's a combination of 1) a very fancy design, 2) the coolest 3D model slicing abilities, 3) amazing printing, and 4) incredible materials. 

1) Very Fancy Design

My design priorities are modularity. This design can be configured to any size and every little detail can be changed and optimized! 

I designed a low-poly 3d tessellated outer pattern, inspired by a friend's phone case's 2D pattern. My design has it so the threads mesh perfectly with the pattern– it's endlessly satisfying to watch close. The inner spiral tapers slightly at the end to make the initial threading easier. The thread shape is designed specifically for easier perfect spiral mode printing for the inside part.

2) The Coolest 3D Model Slicing

Designed to be printed in two different ways! 

• The outer part is a classic 3D print. Inner wall + outer wall + infill.
• The inner part is a vase-mode print! This means it prints 3x faster, uses less material, and looks incredible.

Want the top & bottom pattern to look incredible? Change the bottom surface pattern! In Prusa / Bambu / Orca Slicers you can use my favorite: Octagram Spiral!

→ Coming soon: gif of showing the bottom pattern + spiral mode printing

3) Amazing Printing

Have a brand new Prusa Mk4 that's immaculately tuned? A brand new BambuLabs X1C, P1S, or P1P? Show off how perfect your prints can be and experience the air pressure limited ultra slow close of these containers!

4) Incredible Materials

Want this to look extra incredible? Try a bi-color or a tri-color filament from your favorite filament supplier! This is my favorite (although it tends to jam)

The second photo show how a bi-color filament is oriented. Tri-color is split in 120º slices!

This means you get one color when the printer prints one way, another when it prints the other! It's gorgeous. 

How to print!

My method for best results is this: There are two parts, the top and bttm.

1. Bttm:
   1. USE VASE MODE (or spiralize outer contour in Cura)
   2. Use 0.10mm layer height.
   3. Because of vase-mode this prints fast. I recommend printing this first.
2. Top:
   1. Use standard 3D printing, not vase mode.
   2. Use 0.11mm layer height.

Some tips:

• Using layer heights with low common multiples, like 0.1 and 0.11, has the smoothest results.
• Use a fancy bottom later pattern to make the top & bottom look great!
  • Prusa / Bambu / Orca Slicers you can use my favorite: Octagram Spiral!
  • ‘concentric’ in cura is your prettiest option
• Post your makes!

Description of the different sizes

I recommend starting with the Magic (48mm) version.

1. Deca: the largest version I've printed. It's incredibly slow to close with gravity, very satisfying, and can be quite useful as a container. Bottom takes ~3h, top takes ~45m.
2. Magic: my favorite. A perfect balance of smaller size and satisfying physics. Top is ~1.5h bottom is 30m.
3. Milli + Micro: These self-gravity-close faster and faster (see the first gif!) and get pretty tall.
4. Nano + Pico: These are half-height and two fit stacked on top of each other inside micro. These are not super functional and don't close with gravity very well (see gif)
5. Femto: This one is absurd. It's tiny. Absolutely not functional, doesn't close very well, but is such a treat to realize you can print these this miniature.
6. Atto: Ping me if you'd like this one. I haven't tried printing this last matryoshka level yet.. It's just 4.5mm inside diameter. 

Post your make!

Please post 'em! Really! Take a quick cameraphone photo of your print in all its glory and show it off! Plus it really helps get this design out there to the world.

Message me on discord/telegram for

• customizations
• different engravings
• different variation ideas
• any issues: printing, design, fit, etc
• to show off / geek out about your result
• say howdy

Designing stuff is fun but interacting with cool people and hearing about their adventures is better. I can generate any variation / engraving easily, message me on discord/telegramand/or leave a comment and let's make your perfect version. I only ask that you post a make!

If you'd like the CAD or STEP file too, no problem. I've already helped a bunch of great folks! Send me a ping