3D Zoetrope [MakerID-11]

Zoetrope, sans one dragonfly

For BPC Maker Faire, we built a 3D zoetrope. A zoetrope is a series of images or figures that, when spun and combined with periods of darkness in between each set, create the illusion of motion. We were inspired to create our project because of several really impressive examples that we had seen in the past, such as several by 4-mation. When choosing the actual subject of the zoetrope we picked things that we had seen in other zoetropes and things that would complement them thematically.

The first thing we did after deciding on a subject was starting to assemble all the random parts and pieces. For most of it, we just used various materials that we found both in the Q Lab and around the school. For the dragonfly, we wanted something sturdy and light that we could also mass-produce. We wanted to 3D-print it, but none of the models we found online really suited our purposes, so we ended up having to create our own model. 

One problem we had was getting the zoetrope to spin at the speed we needed it to. Our original plan was to use a small motor, but we ended up attaching the main base to a drill bit. Even attaching it to the drill bit was a challenge, because the drill quickly drilled through any glue we used. However, after a couple thousand layers of hot glue, we managed to make it stick.

In making our maker project, we learned that time management is really important. At the beginning of the project, we spent way, way too much time plotting out stuff and discussing theoreticals that were probably all far too lofty for us to achieve given our time frame. If we had more time, we probably would have paid more attention to detail and gotten our hands on the strobe flashlight that we need to make it actually function as a zoetrope instead of a blue and black blur. Our advice to anyone attempting to make a zoetrope is that getting the various parts of the zoetrope (every individual dragonfly) to line up and create a coherent scene is probably the most important part of creating functioning zoetrope.

Our overall cost was $0 for us. However, you can purchase most of the materials we used for the project for under a dollar. I’m not completely sure about the 3D printer though.