3D printed infinity cube - Arduino RGB Neopixel project

This is fully 3D printable infinity cube with the capability of displaying a logo in the centre. It uses Adafruit Neopixels, programmed to animate a rainbow wave and driven by an Arduino Uno.
Infinity cubes are a 6 sided version of an infinity mirror, using 2 way mirror film/mylar to reflect light internally with only some escaping and viewed by your eyes. This gives the effect of the lights reflecting copies back to infinity.
This is a free and fun project, presenting step by step including printing, wiring, programming and assembly.
Some notes: You can optionally put a resistor inline on the data pin from the Arduino but I've never had any issues without one over many years. The longer your strip of LED pixels, the more current it will draw from the Uno. Consider powering the 5V and GND directly from a stable 5V source.
Thingiverse link for my printed parts: www.thingivers...
Arduino Uno pinout: i2.wp.com/marc...
How to install mirror film: • Install Mirror Film Qu...
Arduino IDE: www.arduino.cc...
Shopping list:
Buy Neopixels from Amazon: amzn.to/2M1hI6h
Geekcreit® Arduino UNO R3 (Banggood): bit.ly/2JVc1Gc
Elegoo UNO R3 (Amazon): amzn.to/2SBbHke
Reflective film (Amazon): amzn.to/2Wgvzav
Reflective film (Bunnings): www.bunnings.c...
Acrylic sheet (Amazon): amzn.to/2Hi1cfy
Acrylic sheet (Bunnings): www.bunnings.c...
Dupont wiring kit Amazon ($12): amzn.to/2D9YI0w
Dupont crimping tool Amazon ($10): amzn.to/2RHBFhB
Dupont wiring kit Banggood ($9): bit.ly/2zAZVus
Dupont crimping tool Banggood ($11): bit.ly/2QnyWtw
Regular LED strip should be compatible: amzn.to/2TomJu0
Buy quality and affordable filament from X3D. Buy 3, get 1 free and a free sample pack with every order: www.x3d.com.au
Take a look around and if you like what you see, please subscribe.
Support me on Patreon: / teachingtech
#infinitycube #3dprinting #rgb

[@beezaa]

I'd personally go with an ESP8266 + aircoookie/WLED library on GitHub so you get a TON of awesome animations and the ability to control it via Blynk IOT, Alexa, Wifi web interface, etc. The ESP8266 is small and cheap too. Take a look at all this library packs into it for controlling WS2812b lights. github.com/Aircoookie/WLED

[@OldCurmudgeon3DP]

You could also tie this into Home Assistant w/ Tasmota or ESPHome and MQTT. The 8266 will drive these easily and has a smaller footprint/volume.

[@JToona]

So just use a nodemcu or something to control the LEDs? I have some nodemcus laying around that need a use.

[@scottschnatzmeyer85]

Agreed!! I'm actually working on a project using this as we speak

[@jacobtran4010]

But how do I get this library to my Arduino? Like, does it already come preset > package manager > search _____ ?

[@spikekent]

I've wanted to build one of these for so long, but I had clearly misunderstood the mirror requirements. I had always thought there needed to be a double layer of some specialist mirrors. Thank you so much for putting me right .... again. The only thing I don't already have for this is the mylar, so I've just placed an order that should arrive in a few days. Plan to use glass for my build because I should be able to get it cut locally.

[@TeachingTech]

A traditional infinity mirror has plain mirror at the back and the mylar film at the front. This one has mylar on all sides so you can see in from any angle. It's a fun thing to make, please enjoy.

[@spikekent]

@@TeachingTech Ah of course, it all makes sense now, thank you. Either way, this one is so much better than a traditional one, so my prior ignorance has served me well. I've ordered 6 pieces of 3x100x100 perspex and a roll of Mylar, everything else I already have. I am wondering if I should print it in shiny black PETG, will probably stick to white PLA for the first one though. I'm already thinking about scaling it up (x2) for a second one if all goes well. I plan to go to a community meetup in a couple of months. Although I won't be having a stand myself, I think a friend would love to have one on display on his stand (with your thingiverse attribution label of course). Would you be ok with that? If not I respect that of course.

[@jdsgotninelives]

I remember a while back that you were lamenting your struggle to get to 5000 subs. I'm so happy to see you blowing up on KZbin mate. The quality of your content is always of the highest level. Congratulations :-)

[@klschofield71]

Wonderful project!! I've been wondering what to do with my UNO since doing the boot-loader tutorial you offered in your Ender-3 series. Well, my wondering is over. Thanks for all the great information and inspiration. All your kids are lucky to have you as a teacher. Just an awesome human being.

[@TeachingTech]

That is stupendously kind, thanks very much.

[@OldCurmudgeon3DP]

I've been wanting to make a 4 sided lithophane lamp for awhile. This just one-upped it on the awesomeness scale. Wow!👍👍👍

[@MaxerDoesMC]

Infinity mirrors are super sweet, I am currently working on my own version, except incorporated in a face mask!

[@tomgray7049]

WOW, this is great. I hope to make this someday as I am still trying to get my ender 3 working amongst bills, and sickness missing work and stuff. But the new wheels work great. This looks like you can change the middle object often. I would suggest mounting pegs or standoffs for the uno board. Maybe a power jack too. But this looks amazing. Thank you.

[@tacopete8111]

Arduino nano is probably cheapest option and would save space, can be had for about 3 dollars on ebay. I buy them in bulk for embedding into projects.

[@txkent]

Very cool! I have neopixels and arduinos laying around, with no purpose!

[@captainmort]

A great little project, Michael. Thanks for posting. :)

[@blackwolfecc]

Nice! Very cool project! One I think I'll work on with my kids!!

[@andypodmore6721]

Brilliant project. Going add this to my ever growing list. Oh the misses is gonna love me lol

[@ElegooOfficial]

This is super cool.😮

[@avejst]

To infinity an beyond :-) Thanks for sharing :-)

[@bjimx]

I've been working on my own version of the nanoleaf and I'll have enough parts left over to try this project too. Have you thought about making an led matrix? That's another thing I would like to make. Thanks for the great videos I love learning new things.

[@chrisj4570g]

Super cool! What contest are your students participating in?

[@smarthalayla6061]

Cool. Now make an infinity sphere.

[@putrid.p]

Great video, thank you

[@rtcfpv1012]

Awesome design. 👌👍

[@techjune4337]

It's great. What did the mirror film use? 1.Half 25 Mirror Film? 2.Half 35 Mirror Film? 3.A typical 2mill film?

[@TeachingTech]

Mine was the stuff linked from Bunnings. I've just inspected the box and no such info sorry.

[@bjimx]

Hi Michael, the reflective film you have on you're Amazon link does not have an adhesive back for applying to glass. I have spent an hour trying to remove a clear backing that doesn't exist. I also purchased some glass coasters on Amazon that are 4"x 4"x ⅛" they are slightly thicker than ⅛" so I modified your design to get them to fit. Another alternative to cutting plexiglass.

[@magicmanac]

Amazing

[@peterkleene8240]

By any chance did my comment from your other neopixel video that sparked this idea?

[@erik61801]

pretty cool bruh

[@hiroshi7025]

Hey! Thanks for the work! Would it work with a pro mini /Pro micro for better space management?

[@venkatperla]

Hey,I am trying to follow your guide, but here in India on amazon India ,I can only find mylar emergency blankets,do you think they will work for this

[@dsemolian3071]

Fyi... the amazon link for film is not correct stuff, it does not have adhesive.

[@taheressid698]

how much plastic did you need haw long did it took you to 3d print all the parts ???

[@gizzmomambo]

Do you have the mirror film on the inside or outside

[@edwardboston8600]

What was the reason for having the mirror when gluing the first strip of LEDs?

[@LaueSR]

As a spacer so that the led-stripe isn't glued too deep

[@kevinchlus9304]

Very poor list of materials. In the instructions, it says use 2-way mirror film, and the link to the film says 1-way mirror film. And you can save a bit of money by going to Walmart and buying a cheap $5 LED strip that comes with a wireless remote to change the colors. Power through USB or just use a small battery pack and store it in the electronic housing area.

[@gizzmomambo]

Building one

[@I77AGIC]

"table saws can be quite dangerous if you don't know what you're doing" you say while putting pressure on your hands towards the blade which is completely wrong and dangerous

[@spikekent]

I finally finished my build, you can see it on Thingiverse here www.thingiverse.com/make:626882 and there is a short video here kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpK3o6FnfLiNrtk. I'll re-stick the wires soon, they became unstuck after assembly and I didn't notice until after taking the pics and video :-(

[@videolash]

Add a motor.

[@varukasalt]

Whelp. There goes the kickstarter I was working on. Fuck. Nice work though there bro. Not mad at your or anything, just to be clear. I have been working on exactly this, but wasn't quite there yet.

[@beezaa]

The Hypercube has been on Kickstarter for a while. This is kind of like it except it's missing the LED's on the vertical windows. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2a0XmScrqdop7s

[@aronrad]

Nothing stopping you doing it as well. Not everybody watches 3d printing videos. Also now you see an example to improve on. And im sure Michael would love to see your commercial version. A little competition often actually helps you make a better end product. Its all about the attitude. ;)

[@varukasalt]

@@beezaa Yeah, I know those guys. They're who inspired me to make mine.

[@justmeandjack]

M3 SCREW Omg sorry it hurts my OCD lol

[@Ringmaster860]

What exactly hurts your OCD there?

[@W4TRI]

He is part of the Imperial republic! Metric Rebellion forever! :)

[@deceitive3338]

Nah, he takes issue with a bolt being called a screw. OCD level 9000...