3D design studio · Pennsylvania
Engineering + Art =
I'm Mike. I design 3D printed devices that hide a little wonder inside. Print them at home for free, or pick something up from the shop.
Featured · Patent pending
Cryptatrope FX: a mechanical 3D display
No screen, no battery, no electronics. Spin a Cryptatrope with a glow stick or a small LED inside, and a hidden message appears in mid-air; animated words and 3D illusions, drawn in light.
It works the way your eyes do: the device meters out points of light as it turns, and your vision assembles them into a floating image. Engineering does the work; it still feels like magic.
Custom Cryptatropes with your own hidden message are coming to this site soon.
Free models and guides
Where my designs live
New to 3D printing? Start here.
A friendly on-ramp: what to buy, what to print first, and how to avoid the usual headaches.
ProfilePrime Tower on MakerWorld
My main library of free, printable designs, including the Cryptatrope FX and seasonal projects.
ProfilePrime Tower on MyMiniFactory
Guaranteed-printable models, mirrored for makers who call MyMiniFactory home.
In the media
People are noticing
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Apr 2026
ESCAPETHEROOMers
Cryptatrope: A Maker Adventure, reviewed alongside Bluefish Games' The Case of the Curiously Quiet Theater.
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Mar 2026
How Would You Slice That?
A conversation about bringing everyday wonder back in a world numb to technology.
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Feb 2026
Meet the Polymaker
Featured guest on the weekly front-row seat to the world of 3D printing.
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Dec 2025
6abc & ABC Localish
Enchanted holiday ornaments: the perfect first project for families unboxing a new printer.
Show your support
The shop
Prime Tower Designs T-Shirt
The studio mark, wearable.
$26.52 MerchLaunchy Launch T-Shirt
For fans of things that go up.
$26.52Digital Cryptatrope tiers, gift options, and commissions are on the way. This page will grow.