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Cryptatrope: A kinetic illusion
Insert a glow stick or LED core, then spin. Glints of light reveal its secrets.
Technical details: Inside the Cryptatrope
3D animations · no electronics
Two paths:1Conceal a Secret2Print to Play
1Cryptatrope Letters
Conceal a SecretYour secret message comes alive in 3D. Print an unforgettable gift or game clue.
Try the effect first. A free sample is available in the Download section.
Tell your story
Gift Bearer A dramatic reveal for a special occasion Loading price…
Stereoscopic text: Up to 2 lines.
Each line floats in 3D at a depth you choose: closer, middle, or farther.
Optional animated border around text.
Optional cryptic inscription, for when the device is at rest. Preset only.
Game Master When there's more to the story Loading price…
Pick one:
- Stereoscopic text: Up to 4 lines with optional parallax depth effect.
Each line floats in 3D at a depth you choose: closer, middle, or farther. - Monoscopic text: Up to 16 lines.
4 separate 2D viewpoints, each with a distinct 4-line message.
Optional animated border around text.
Optional cryptic inscription, for when the device is at rest. You can customize it as a 2nd puzzle clue.
Grand Illusionist The full showpiece Loading price…
Everything in Game Master, brought to life with advanced 3D animations.
30-day make-it-right guarantee. Terms & Privacy · Order status
Running an escape room or selling prints? Commercial licensing is available. Get in touch.
Compare options
Your design selects from a menu of features.
| Gift BearerLoading price… | Game MasterLoading price… | Grand IllusionistLoading price… | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D-positioned text (stereoscopic) | Up to 2 lines | Up to 4 lines | Up to 4 lines |
| Selectable depth per-line | ● | ● | ● |
| Parallax: 3 stereo viewpoints | — | ● | ● |
| 2D-positioned text (monoscopic) | — | Up to 16 lines | Up to 16 lines |
| Distinct message across 4 viewpoints | — | ● | ● |
| Animations | Up to 1 animation | Up to 1 animation | Up to 3 animations |
| Marquee border | ● | ● | ● |
| 3D animations | — | — | ● |
| Static inscription | Preset only | Preset or custom | Preset or custom |
| Engraved message viewable at rest | ● | ● | ● |
2Cryptatrope Adventure
Print to PlayPrint → Decode → Advance: A three-chapter adventure of optics, time, and causality.
Like an escape room you build as you progress. Each solution unlocks the next puzzle and more of the story.
"A groundbreaking concept and prop that we haven't seen used anywhere else in the puzzle realm."— ESCAPETHEROOMers
Technical Details
Inside the Cryptatrope
Lineage
Inspired by pre-film optical toys, including classic zoetropes, the Cryptatrope uses 3D printing to push the boundaries of electronics-free animation.
How it works
The Cryptatrope is a new kind of illusion: a naked-eye "mechanical hologram." As it spins, pinhole tunnels align with your eyes, revealing patterns of light in sequence. These glints blend into animations and text.
It gets better. The Cryptatrope can project different patterns to different viewing positions. Some designs hide multiple messages, some create eye-popping stereo-3D, and some extend this with 3D parallax.
From parts to first reveal in 5 steps
01 Get Supplies Details
Lights and related supplies can be purchased using the affiliate links here. Filament (PLA) color suggestions are in the Print sub-section. To customize the display color, use a white LED and print a colored light diffuser.
02 Download Details
These models are provided as free downloads.
Stand Details
Caps & Diffusers Details
Choose the version that matches your light source.
Glow Stick Version
Magnet-Activated LEDs Version
Manually Activated LEDs Version
Photonic Cylinder Details
Additional cylinders may be obtained by purchasing Cryptatrope Letters or Cryptatrope Adventure.
Free SampleStereo 3DText: "Cryptatrope"Animation: Spiral Galaxy
Planning to play Cryptatrope Adventure? You may prefer to skip this sample. It is provided primarily so people considering Cryptatrope Letters can evaluate the stereo 3D effect; the Adventure is designed to introduce the Cryptatrope’s capabilities gradually as you progress.
03 Print Details
The settings described here assume PLA filament.
Stand Details
Settings
- 0.1 mm layer height for precise prints, or 0.2 mm for quick prints.
- 4 wall loops and only 1 wall on the first layer.
- 90-degree infill direction to approximate a wood grain look.
- Normal/snug supports with 0.2 mm top & bottom Z distance.
(Disable independent support layer height.)
Caps Details
Settings
- 0.1 mm layer height for precise prints, or 0.2 mm for quick prints.
- 4 wall loops.
- Arachne wall generator.
- Concentric top & bottom surface pattern.
- Normal/snug supports with 0.2 mm top & bottom Z distance.
(Disable independent support layer height.)
Diffusers Details
Color
- For the brightest result, use basic white PLA (not matte).
- Alternatively for LED diffusers, you can use a bright-color basic PLA.
Settings
- 0.2 mm layer height.
- 3 wall loops.
- Arachne wall generator. This is important for proper fit.
- Concentric top & bottom surface pattern.
Photonic Cylinder Details
Color
- Use a dark matte PLA for the message area. Darker is better.
- Manually colorize using "cut to parts" at heights 5 mm and 95 mm; apply accent color to top and bottom parts.
- If you do not have multicolor, you can use a single color or add manual filament swaps at 5.1 mm and 95.1 mm.
Settings
- 0.1 mm layer height for precise prints, or 0.2 mm for quick prints.
- 2 or 3 wall loops.
- Classic wall generator is faster.
- Concentric top & bottom surface pattern.
- 8% infill.
- Disable the prime tower.
Floating-region and non-manifold warnings can be ignored.
04 Assemble Details
All parts are designed to slot together without glue.
Glow Stick Version Details
The glow sticks shown here are labeled non-toxic.
Magnet-Activated LEDs Version Details
If the magnet in the base is not a tight fit, secure it with super glue.
Manually Activated LEDs Version Details
If the magnets in the caps are not a tight fit, secure them with super glue.
05 Use Details
Optimal results require proper viewing conditions.
AIlluminate the Core Details
- If Glow Stick: Snip off the hook. Crack, shake, then insert.
- If Magnet-Activated LEDs: Bring caps close to magnet in the stand. Avoid LED strobing mode.
- If Manually Activated LEDs: Insert LEDs into caps and secure them using magnets, putty, or double-sided tape.
BDarken the Room Details
- Animations are typically visible but suboptimal under normal indoor lighting.
- Stereo 3D effects work much better in a very dark room.
(Curtains or blinds typically do not block enough sunlight.)
CBehold Details
- Spin rapidly to resolve letters, or slowly with the knobs for clear animations.
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Keep your head level while finding the viewing position, approximately 14 inches (35 cm) away.
- Monoscopic: Close one eye. Move left and right to find the four positions that show an image.
- Stereoscopic (non-parallax): Keep both eyes open and view from a centered position, where both eyes see the image.
- Stereoscopic (parallax): Keep both eyes open. Move left and right to find the three positions where both eyes see an image.
- Stereo 3D effects appear stronger the longer you look.
Free designs
Portfolio
Provided for personal use. To discuss commercial licensing, please contact Mike.
Some designs include small parts or magnets that are not suitable for young children.
Supplies
Maker kits
Kits contain non-printed parts for select print-at-home designs. Filament not included.
Cryptatrope Kit
Parts to make a Cryptatrope. The kit mentions the Adventure model but it works with any Cryptatrope.
Get it from Bambu
The Limit of Possibility Kit
Parts to make one of several magnetic balancing sculptures.
Get it from BambuThese kits are sold by Bambu through the Maker's Supply program. Prime Tower Designs earns a commission on all sales.
Includes small magnets not suitable for young children.
Press
Featured in
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6abc Action News & ABC LocalishA local feature on the Enchanted Ornament, a glowing 3D-printed ornament with a secret holiday message, and the little moments of magic Mike makes from basic physics.
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ESCAPETHEROOMersA review of Cryptatrope: A Maker Adventure, which they called an exhilarating reveal, uncovering a hidden message in a captivating way.
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How Would You Slice That?A conversation about bringing everyday wonder back in a world numb to technology.
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Meet the PolymakerFeatured guest on the weekly front-row seat to the world of 3D printing.
About
The studio
Prime Tower Designs is led by Mike Brunswick, who spent 20 years in technical program management at Microsoft. When his 3D designs found a following on MakerWorld, he turned to design full time, founding The Brunswick Workshop LLC with his wife Elizabeth.
The studio focuses on optical mechanisms and kinetic objects: engineering principles turned into things you can hold. Mike's work has been honored in multiple 3D printing design contests, including a first-place finish in Bambu Lab's global Magic Trick contest, and he hosted MakerWorld's "Old World Magic" contest, which drew over 600 entries.
Contact
Get in touch
Questions, custom requests, or licensing?