"FRACTURED" by Fiornova — Kit Challenge - Magnetic Levitation DIYHAMBEMUS LEVITATION!! WORK IN PROGRESS #2  One month ago I showed you a frozen moment: a Calla Lily, a vase sliced in two, water splashing everywhere. Back then it only existed in Blender. Today, the top half of that vase is physically floating above the fracture! Last time I mentioned there would be some "troubleshooting".Oh boy…… there was, A LOT!Magnetic levitation looks like magic, but getting there is pure trial and error: weight, balance, center of mass, everything matters, and everything fights you.Let me show you the casualties. The digital graveyard                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            The Filament graveyardThe filament graveyard The breakthroughSo what finally made it work? One simple idea: separating the vase from the float.In all the early versions, the vase and the floating base were one solid piece, joined with a snap fit. It seemed elegant until you try to balance it.  With everything locked together, the center of mass is fixed: if it's off, even by a hair, the whole thing tips, wobbles, and falls. And it was always off.Now the two parts are separate. The float levitates on its own, and the vase simply sits on top of it. The balance? You find it by hand. Slide the vase a few millimeters until it settles It's suprisingly easy.  What's nextWith the levitation nightmare finally behind me, I'm now working on my comfort zone: flowers and leaves. The very first prototypes are coming off the printer as we speak, and I can't wait to show you the Calla Lily taking shape."Fractured" launches very soon!Follow me so you don't miss it.  Massimiliano Fiornova#Kitchallenge #Maglevdiy

For a while now, I’ve wanted to try modelling and 3D printing a miniature version of Dalaran, the floating city from World of Warcraft. Since the city seemingly defies (or defied) gravity in-game, it felt like the perfect candidate for Bambu Lab’s Magnetic Levitation DIY Kit. Here are some of the challenges I faced in bringing the idea into a 3D-printed reality.The Centre of EverythingThe key to making a good levitating model with the MagLev kit is ensuring the model’s centre of mass sits on the same vertical axis as the floating magnet. If the centre of mass is too far off-centre, the model will tilt—or not levitate altogether. This is relatively straightforward for symmetrical models, where the centre of mass lies neatly along the central axis. But where exactly is the centre of this thing, let alone its centre of mass?! In-game Dalaran Luckily, working out the centre of mass is only a few clicks away in most CAD software, and there are similar add-ons available to do so in 3D modelling software such as Blender. Once most of the modelling was complete, I created the cut-out and holder for the floating magnet so that it aligned with the model’s calculated centre of mass. Magnet placed on the same axis as centre of mass BUT. That would only be correct if the model were printed with 100% infill density. Working out the actual centre of mass is more complicated. A printed model consists of wall loops, top and bottom shells that are effectively solid, and lower-density sparse infill. This means smaller but more geometrically complex sections often contain proportionally more walls and can end up denser than larger sections. Aware of this potential setback, I went ahead and printed anyway. Unsurprisingly, the model tilted to one side while floating.  To fix this, I just added more mass to the model on the opposite side by increasing the infill density. The three little adjacent floating islands were ideal for this. Since they are the furthest part of the model from the centre, even adding a little mass, makes a big difference to help balance the model. Their position can also be moved slightly with how they’re connected to further help distribute mass for balancing. At this point, I should probably mention that Bambu Lab also sells a version of the MagLev kit that includes little steel balls specifically for balancing models. But if I had used that version of the kit, I obviously wouldn’t have had anything to write about for this article. A Balancing ActIf you’ve ever used the Bambu Lab MagLev kit, you’ll know that getting a model to levitate for the first time can range from tricky to extremely challenging. Getting something this large and oddly shaped floating would have been practically impossible without some form of assistance. There were two possible solutions. Option 1: Create a temporary cradle that holds the model in exactly the right position relative to the base when first placing it. I briefly considered making a cradle in the shape of the crater Dalaran flew out of in-game. Option 2: Create a small floating magnet holder that levitates easily on its own, then slide the rest of the model over it afterwards. Option 2 seemed like the wiser choice. Floating magnet holder over which the rest of the model fits MOAR SPIRESOne of the more challenging aspects of the project was 3D printing the long, thin towers. Even though I modelled them to be thicker than their in-game proportions, they still tended to wobble during printing, which led to poor print quality or even print failures. For models with tall, slender vertical features, reducing print speed and increasing the number of wall loops can help minimise issues caused by parts flexing during the print.  In this case, increasing the Z-hop when retract, from the default 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm also led to a big improvement. This gives a little more leeway when the printer nozzle moves from part to part, and so when the printer starts depositing filament again the part hasn’t moved or bent from the printer moving to it. This is a printer or filament setting however that each user must set themselves when downloading and isn’t applied if printing from Bambu Handy. While the spires were able to print like this, they are still fragile and easy to break. I eventually decided it would be best to separate them altogether and have them print as independent parts. This means, if someone (me, someone is me) breaks one, they can reprint just the spire rather than having to reprint large portions of the model again. Final ThoughtsThere were plenty of other design decisions involved in adapting Dalaran for 3D printing: deciding which details to preserve in a model of this size, determining how to split the model to minimise supports, and ensuring it could be printed in full colour using a single AMS. Overall, I’m really happy with how it turned out, and I hope some others enjoy making and displaying their own little floating cities. Checkout the model here!:https://makerworld.com/en/models/3044527-dalaran-floating-city-of-the-kirin-tor  TL;DR for Horde players: Many design challenges faced especially to make model levitate and to print tiny details. End result good. Grunts

Designing the Minka Skyland Levitating IslandThere is something inherently magical about floating islands. From classics like Gulliver's Travels to the modern Hallelujah Mountains of Avatar, the idea of a tiny world suspended in mid-air continues to capture the imagination. With the #KitChallenge and the power of magnetic levitation, I had the opportunity to bring a piece of that fantasy onto my desk. Meet the Minka Skyland—a fully 3D-printable floating sculpture featuring tiny, detailed traditional homes glowing with warmth. 💡 The InspirationThe concept was born out of a desire to blend traditional architecture with a whimsical twist. "Minka" (traditional Japanese folk houses) have incredibly beautiful, rustic structures. When I saw the magnetic levitation kit, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to turn fiction into reality. The goal was to create a cozy, ambient sculpture where the warm interior lights make the island look alive and inhabited. 🛠️ The Design ProcessDesigning for a magnetic levitation kit adds an extra layer of structural planning compared to a simple static sculpture:Weight Distribution: The floating island had to be light & perfectly balanced. Going from the idea (tiny village in the sky), to something that was light enough, printable, and completely balanced required careful planning.Lighting: To achieve that cozy, warm ambiance, I designed hollow structures so that LED light could illuminate the tiny windows of the homes from within.  🧐 Tips for Magnetic PositioningSetting up a #MagLevDIY project definitely comes with a learning curve! I couldn't find a lot of guidance online so I thought I'd share what worked best for me:Two-Hands: Do not try to drop the island from directly above. Instead, hold the model firmly between thumb and pointer finger using both hands.From the Side: Bring the model in slowly from the side, keeping it level and close to the base.Listen for the Cue: Use your pinkies against the levitation base to stabilize your hands. As you center the island, you will feel the magnetic field get stronger. Listen closely—you will hear a very subtle, faint buzz when the electronic stabilization system activates. Once you feel that locking sensation, gently let go. 🔗 Modle Link: Minka Skyland - Levitating Island

Hi everyone! This is a 3-part series where I’ll walk you through the inspiration and design process, the assembly and final result, and the challenges I faced bringing this lighthouse to life.  The idea: A Functional Lighthouse Powered by Magnetic Levitation (Inspiration & Design) I’ve always wanted to design a functional lighthouse, not just a static model, but one where the beacon actually moves and brings the whole scene to life. But the problem was always the same: how do I make the light rotate in a clean, elegant way inside a 3D printed model?  When I saw the Magnetic Levitation DIY Kit Challenge, everything immediately clicked. The idea of using levitation to create motion inside the lighthouse felt like the perfect solution. I was honestly super excited when I found out my project had been selected and it felt like the idea could finally become real.  A few days later, I received the kit and filaments. My first reaction: the magnetic levitation kit is much bigger than I expected 😄 I definitely didn’t expect that scale, and it pushed me to rethink parts of the design approach.  For the modeling, I used Fusion 360 for all structural and technical components to ensure precision and proper alignment. For the more organic parts, like the rocks around the base, I switched to Blender to create more natural shapes and variation.  From the beginning, I tried to combine functionality with storytelling and not just building a lighthouse, but creating a small scene that feels alive :)

"FRACTURED" by Fiornova Kit Challenge - Magnetic Levitation DIY  WORK IN PROGRESS #1 I've been working for the past 2 weeks on the MagLev DIY kit challenge.  My entry is called "Fractured": a peaceful Calla Lily, quietly sitting in its vase, was mysteriously struck by a slicing force.  The vase was cut in two, the water splashing everywhere. the moment frozen in time.  The MagLev kit will expand on this frozen moment: the top part of the vase will literally levitate above the fracture.    My workflow I work in Blender for all of my projects.  My process is to block out the shapes first, then refine them as I go.  The blockout phase is now finished, and now the fun part begins: SIMULATIONS! To get the perfect frame for the frozen splash, I'm playing a lot with fluid sim. Here's how the process looks:   It's a matter of running different sims, once you get a convincing frame you litteraly stop the time and the mesh is blocked. This is just the rendered version of the water, and those colors are just placeholders, the final print will probably be in translucent petg or pla, I don't know yet, I need to experiment and prototype! :)  For the time being I'm going to continue to iterating in blender, next week I'm finally starting to test-print some parts, Once the first pieces of "Fractured" are physically in my hands, I'll make sure to update you.  Follow me if you want to see more before the launch.  Massimiliano Fiornova

When an idea comes to mind, I immediately start thinking about how everything is going to fit together. But when we talk about integrating hardware, things can get nasty fast.Fortunately, for the hardware coming from the Bambu Lab store, they provide creators with precise dummy models ready to work with. And yes, this is awesome... right up until your piece actually has to balance! 🤣  One of the traits of the MagLev kit is that achieving perfect balance can be tough. I usually rely on center of mass calculations in Fusion360 to figure out how to get the model's weight low and centered. This time, the basic shape was easy: it’s a disk, and the center of mass is clear. Taking into account that the heavy magnet drops that center significantly, the ship was easily able to stay floating perfectly. Or so I thought. With my alien ship, I faced an unexpected enemy: heat. Here in my region, it’s already getting really hot. I realized that if I left the MagLev kit light turned on and the air conditioner was off for a few hours, the ship would literally fall out of the sky. This usually happened overnight.It took me a few days of troubleshooting to realize I had to redesign the cover, adding some ventilation slots to allow bottom-to-top airflow and keep things cool.  And getting here wasn't a straightforward path. The design process is inherently iterative and, let's be honest, often messy. Before achieving the final model of my Floating Alien Maglev UFO that you can already download (link ;)), I went through a whole mountain of tests and failed prints.  This photo perfectly sums up the journey: a literal pile of "falis." Some were for testing magnet tolerances, others for experimenting with ventilation slot patterns, and many simply failed to achieve the perfect balance. Each one of these discarded prints taught me a lesson and brought me closer to the final design.Last but not least, once you try to balance a MagLev—even after having all the pieces perfectly in place—sometimes you just need a little help. It can be incredibly frustrating. That’s why I decided to design some custom helper tools. These allow anyone to perfectly balance the ship, even if you don't have the Jedi skills (or the patience) to do it by hand.  At the end of the day, all those iterations and troubleshooting hours were completely worth it. Seeing this little alien spinning peacefully on the desk is just mesmerizing. I hope you enjoy printing and assembling this UFO as much as I enjoyed designing it. Please, share your makes—I'd love to see what filament combinations you choose for your ships! Let me know how the balancing process goes for you (don't forget to use the helpers), and if you have any feedback, drop it in the comments. Happy printing, and keep your skies clear of falling UFOs! 🛸

What can you build when gravity is no longer a limitation? We’re excited to kick off this round of the Limited Kit Challenge with a featured Maker’s Supply kit. If you have an idea for how it could become something useful, fun, decorative, or unexpected, we’d love to see it.Featured KitMaker’s Supply | Magnetic Levitation DIY Kit （ZC008）Kit Features:Automatic Levitation ActivationAppropriate Load-bearing (Up to 200g)Including Magnetic Levitation Base&Float, 12V 2A AC/DC Adapter with Removable PlugUsage Note: In addition to this kit, other Maker’s Supply accessories can also be added.How to JoinComment under this post and include:What you want to create (the use case or scenario)The general form or function of the model (images are recommended)Why Magnetic Levitation DIY Kit is essential to your ideaAt the start of your comment, please identify your role:“I’m a model creator”“I’m an idea contributor”If you are a creator, feel free to reply under any idea comment that you would like to turn into a real model. Creators who actively engage with ideas are also more likely to be selected.Timeline:Idea submission deadline: 15 days after postingSelection announcement: within 5 days of this postWhy This Kit Is InterestingThe magnetic levitation kit can make ordinary 3D printed models truly float, like magical artifacts, floating islands in miniature scenes, spaceships with alien, and futuristic vehicles, etc.Rather than simply making things float, we’re especially excited to see experiences and creative ideas that could only be achieved through magnetic levitation.🧠 Inspiration ExamplesFloating Mage Tower - Magnetic Levitation Light @MaKim — float the top portion by using the kitFloaty Puff - Levitating Pufferfish Lamp @Printyjay — let cute pufferfish float by using the kitMaglev Hot Air Balloon @fana — Let the hot air balloon rise in your home by using the kitMagnetic Levitating Soccer Ball @Mc2.project3D — even turn ordinary ball games into exquisite floating ornaments, just like scoring a real goal🏆 Support for Selected SubmissionsAt least 10 standout ideas will be selected.Selected idea contributors and/or the creators who develop selected ideas may receive:Free kits, parts, and filamentsOfficial support during creationOfficial promotion opportunitiesOngoing BOM commission incentivesJoin NowWhat would you make float? Share your idea in the comments—your concept could be the next one we help fund, feature, and bring to life.About the Limited Kit ChallengeThe Limited Kit Challenge is an official prompt-based community co-creation program built around Maker’s Supply kits.Each round features a specific kit or selected partsCommunity members submit ideas within a limited timeSelected ideas may receive free kits and filament supportPublished projects may receive official promotion and BOM commission opportunitiesWho Can Participate?MakerWorld model creatorsIdea contributors and design enthusiastsYou do not need to be a model creator to submit an idea.Selection & SupportSubmissions may be reviewed based on originality, effective use of the kit, feasibility, and clarity. Selected creators and/or idea contributors will be announced in the comments. Selected creators may be contacted by private message and asked to provide a brief creation plan, design approach, and estimated timeline. Please note: both selected idea contributors and the creators who develop selected ideas may receive Maker’s Supply parts support.Participation is also limited to regions our shipping partner can deliver to. Appreciate your understanding. We’d love to see more of these ideas brought to life, and creators are encouraged to reply to ideas they’d like to develop.For Selected CreatorsSelected creators will be contacted by private message.If selected, creators will need to:Complete a project based on Magnetic Levitation DIY KitPublish the final model on MakerWorld with the correct BOMShare at least one community article after publishing that includes:The hashtags #KitChallenge and #MagLevDIYContent such as inspiration, design process, assembly steps, final results, and any challenges encounteredFailure to meet delivery or posting requirements may affect eligibility for future challenges. Submission does not guarantee selection. Projects must comply with platform guidelines and intellectual property requirements.