Pythagoras Cup - Cup of Justice

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Pythagoras Cup – Ancient Design Meets Modern 3D Printing

The Pythagoras Cup has fascinated me since I discovered it: an ancient drinking vessel that combines mathematics, physics, and morals. My goal was to adapt this ancient engineering feat for modern 3D printing – a cup that not only works but also tells a story.

Originally designed by Pythagoras around 500 BCE, the cup is also known as the “Cup of Justice.” Its operating principle is as clever as it is instructive: whoever pours greedily empties the cup on their own. In a playful way, the cup teaches moderation and fairness. Today, it is not only a practical drinking vessel, but also a fascinating collector's item and an eye-catcher for makers, math, and tech fans.

How it works:
The Pythagoras Cup uses a simple but ingenious physical principle: inside the cup there is a siphon. As long as you only pour up to the mark, it functions like a normal cup. However, if more is filled, the liquid drains through the siphon – and the entire cup empties. In this way, it playfully “punishes” greed and rewards moderation.

My design for 3D printing combines the ancient form with modern manufacturing possibilities. The cup is suitable for PLA, ABS, or food-safe plastic, has a capacity of approximately 200 ml, and can be printed without support structures.

With this model, I want to foster the joy of tinkering and discovery. The cup uniquely combines history, technology, and humor and invites the community to share their print results, give feedback, and experience this fascinating piece of ancient engineering themselves.