Levitating Hummingbird – Magnetic Sculpture

Magnetic Hummingbird – A Floating Art Sculpture A tiny hummingbird floating in mid-air, surrounded by an elegant, minimalist frame inspired by the shape of a flower. A combination of art, magnetism, and 3D printing that creates a unique optical illusion. This project was inspired by the beautiful sculptures of artist Simon Gudgeon. I decided to adapt this artistic concept for 3D printing and add my own twist: a small hummingbird that appears to levitate using magnetic force. The result is a decorative sculpture where the hummingbird seems to defy gravity, suspended almost magically inside the frame. How Does It Work? The illusion is created using magnets, a small metal beak, and a nearly invisible thread. The upper section of the flower-inspired frame contains 8 magnets measuring 10 × 3 mm.  These magnets attract the hummingbird's metal beak, creating the illusion of magnetic levitation. The hummingbird has a specially designed hole where you can glue a small metal beak made from straightened paper clips. I recommend using two pieces of metal wire for a stronger magnetic attraction and a better levitation effect. A thin thread is attached to the hummingbird, while its other end passes through one of the prepared holes in the base and connects to an adjustable knob.  By turning the knob, you can precisely adjust the thread length until the hummingbird reaches the perfect floating position. The magnets pull the hummingbird upward, while the thread prevents it from moving too close to them, keeping the sculpture balanced. Customizable Magnet Slots and Thread Holes In my print profile, both the magnet slots and the positions of the thread holes can be adjusted using negative objects in Bambu Studio. This allows you to customize the design to match your available magnets and experiment with the hummingbird's floating position. Important Printing Tip: Base Stability There is one important detail in my print profile that you should not overlook. The bottom section of the base contains a modifier marked with a yellow square in Bambu Studio. Inside this area, I increased the infill density to 50%. This additional weight is intentional. It lowers the center of gravity and helps keep the sculpture stable, preventing it from tipping over. I recommend keeping this modifier enabled when printing. Multiple Hummingbird Color Variations The print profile includes several hummingbird color variations, so you can choose the one that best suits your printer and preferences. The most colorful version took approximately 4.5 hours to print on my Bambu Lab H2C. You can simplify the colors to reduce printing time or go for the full multicolor version for a more vibrant and eye-catching result. If you own a Bambu Lab H3C, you can really let your creativity run wild and color the hummingbird using up to 9 different colors. With so many possibilities, you can create a truly unique and vibrant little bird. The choice is yours. The design works beautifully in both simple and colorful combinations. A Little Piece of Floating Art This is more than just a 3D printed decoration. It is a small kinetic-inspired art installation that combines a minimalist sculptural form with a fascinating magnetic illusion. The hummingbird appears to hover effortlessly inside the frame, creating a delicate and almost magical effect. I hope you enjoy printing, assembling, and experimenting with your own floating hummingbird.