Black Hole Table

This table evokes the warping effect on space and time exerted by a black hole. The table consists of black acrylic rings intersecting with a radial array of ribs that plunge downwards into a central hole, and an infinity mirror at the bottom gives the impression of an event horizon as the warping descends through the floor. A circular tempered glass top provides the functional table surface.

Second photo from BBC article "These are the discoveries that made Stephen Hawking famous" (Henning Dalhoff/Science Photo Library)
Third photo from NASA article "Black holes: Monsters in Space" (NASA/JPL-Caltech)

Step 1: Design

I used Fusion360 to draw a spline curve that matched the 1/r warping that occurs near massive objects in space, then incorporated a cutout for the infinity mirror, a base that splayed out for support, a profile that would be strong enough to hold the glass top, and a flat surface so it would be held securely. I used the Create > Revolve tool to generate a 3D shape. I saved that shape as an STL file then opened it in 123D Make. I used the "Radial Slices" construction technique to generate a frame that could be easily fabricated using a laser cutter. I custom designed the material as 1/4" acrylic, and went for 7 horizontal layers and 15 vertical ribs, because I felt that looked pleasing and would be structurally sturdy enough, and exported the print files.

Step 2: Laser Cutting

I managed to fit all 22 pieces on to 5 sheets of 2'×2' 1/4" black acrylic ($155) by manually nesting them in Illustrator. The files are attached. Laser cutting was done on a 120 W Epilog laser. I peeled the sticky paper off and stacked all pieces ready for assembly.

Step 3: Assembly

I used a jig to get the first rib in place, then got help for the rest (thanks Mei!). With two people, it was pretty straightforward to assemble. The acrylic varied in thickness somewhat, so some pieces went in easier than others.

Step 4: Infinity Mirror

I 3D printed an enclosure for 30 LEDs which I also designed using Fusion360 (STL attached), and added a 6" mirror to the bottom. 60% of an addressable RGB LED string was inserted in the holes (just cut the string between the 30th and 31st LEDs). Note the design accommodates the features on the LED casing, so rotate them to align correctly and seat them all the way in. Tuck the wires neatly into the bottom of the enclosure, under the shell of each LED. A 6 1/4" piece of one-way acrylic mirror (1/8" thick, cut on a laser cutter) was added to the top. It was powered with a 5 V supply and the LEDs controlled using an Arduino Uno (Teensy version with a single power supply coming soon). The LEDs are set to a pulsing purplepattern, invoking the idea of a high energy pulsar (which is actually a neutron star, not a black hole, I know).

The STL file for the enclosure and the Arduino sketch for the pulsing purple light are attached.

I published an instructable separately on a larger warping infinity mirror, also featuring an LED string and a 3D printed enclosure.

Step 5: Glass Top

I ordered a 32" circle of tempered 1/4" edge-polished glass for the top online ($90).

Step 6: Put It All Together!

Place the table over the infinity mirror and put the glass top on. Set it up in your living room and enjoy the geekiest coffee resting platform ever!

Planning to make one of these? As you won't need to make all the mistakes and iterations I made along the way, it ought to be pretty straightforward. A one-year instructables.com premium membership to anyone who posts a photo of a table inspired by these plans.

Comments

[Kalle Klæp]

Just awesome..! However, not everyone has access to such a toolset. So for me it's impossible to fabricate.

[SarahW216]

That's actually super cool.

[vhajar]

awesome ideas.. vote +1

look better than mine https://www.instructables.com/id/Lumen-Histoire-IoT-App/

[Antzy Carmasaic]

Such a trippy table. I love the diffused effect of LEDs shining on the rings, which will probably force a person to gravitate towards the table to see the source of the light, and see infinity instead. Really love the idea!c

[makendo]

Thanks. Yep, that's the idea! it works too, provided there are not a ton of other shiny things in the room...

[san7776]

THIS IS AWESOME

[KUNALI1]

THIS IS AWESOME!!!

[coolcrafter101]

THIS IS AWESOME!!!

[mcgary911]

Very cool. When I first checked it i figured that the infinity mirror part was between the table top and the bottom. That would be interesting to do and not too tough to test. Remove your 1 way mirror from the top of the existing rig in the bottom and get some mirror tint film from a window tint place and use it on the bottom of your tabletop. That would be a different look for sure. Heck, try it with both the bottom and new top 1 way glass. That could get really freaky. If it's a horrible affect, it's very easy to bring back to it's current state by peeling off the tint. Great job.

[makendo]

actually, you already kind of see it. The glass acts as an extra reflective layer, so you get additional faint widely spaced rings. It isn't nearly as effective as having the mirrors close, because of how far apart the rings are - you lose most of the infinity impression as they're discontinuous

[dollarseed]

Awesome! I was adding the numbers up in my head, and wow, this is a
very expensive build, but definitely something you will be proud of for
many years. You do realize that there are plenty of makers who would be
willing to give you back money for all of the plans and files right?
Retail, you are looking in the neighborhood of around $525.00 in kit
form :) Thank you for sharing!

[makendo]

Thanks. Totally happy to give the plans away - hopefully it means more people will get to have one! Agreed it is not cheap.

[w-diehm]

Coole Idee!!!

[Dvda2108]

so cool!!! I have a big tech build coming up next year for an exhibition. I would try to build something like this in the floor. would it have the same effect if I use black dense plywood to create the framework? You would be able to walk onto the black hole, the circle would have a 2 meter diameter.

[makendo]

Don't see why not. It looks most dramatic from directly above. You would need a lot more LEDs and I imagine the glass would be $$$$, though.

[Ausie Steam]

Had you considered making it out of clear perspex.

These would adsorb light and the ribs and rings would glow brighter at the bottom and less at the top.

The addition of some leds in the bottom ring would enhance this effect.

Something that you could play with.

I think this would increase the coolness to "Infinity and Beyond". Sorry Geekness

[makendo]

I did, but I thought it would look less like a black hole and maybe a little too disco. Would be cool to see one though

[pcflyer]

If you add a motor to slowly pivot the LED plate you could get an interesting endless spiral effect.

[makendo]

You might enjoy my https://www.instructables.com/id/Warping-Infinity-Mirror/. Motorizing the acrylic mirror to tilt (or even warp) would be awesome

[3967]

great idea