New York-based Proxy Design Studio has given a first glimpse of its incredible, 3D-printed spherical gear called the Mechaneu, equal parts tactile toy and mechanical sculpture, a mind-bogglingly precise intermeshing of wheels within wheels.
Proxy describes the project as just “the first in a series of kinetic, 3D-printed objects designed to explore the limits of 3D printing as an art form”:
Created in a one-shot fabrication process, Mechaneu #1 features an elaborate network of interlocking gears and support structures. Spin one gear and the entire sphere is catalyzed with the rotation. The effect is mesmerizing, a visualization for the eye and a tactile experience for the hands. The Mechaneu design explores the limit case of commercial 3D printing; all aspect of the design are calibrated to the minimum thicknesses and maximum detail levels.
Their video explains it all in more detail, including some zoom-in/zoom-out diagrams of the assembly process.