In this project we'll show you how to bring creatures to life using magnetic filament and magnets, powered by a Circuit Playground Express and Crickit, Adafruit's robotics platform! 

The enclosure houses the electronics and the models are printed in Magnetic PLA.

Adafruit’s Crickit and Circuit Playground Express have everything you need to build a project with lights, sounds, and motor control.

 

These magnetic creatures come to life when placed close to the platform. Here a motor and magnet move the creatures around the platform. NeoPixel UV LED help illuminate the dual translucent material!

The print in place hinges bring these 3d printed creatures to life!

Prerequisite Guides

There's resources in these guides that go beyond what's covered in this tutorial. MakeCode guide is all about setting up your Circuit Playground Express board. The Circuit Playground Express introduction guide walks you through all of the pinouts, sensors and everything you need to know.

Parts

You can find the list of all parts used to make this project linked below!

Top down view of a Adafruit CRICKIT for Circuit Playground Express with a circular board connected.
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Adafruit NeoPixel UV LED Strip flickering all LEDS
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DC Motor in Micro Servo Body and 0.1" power cable
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Angled shot of a High-strength 'rare earth' magnet.
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1 x Male to Male Jumper Wires
Male to Male Jumper Wires
1 x CIRCUIT PLAYGROUND BOLT-ON KIT
CIRCUIT PLAYGROUND BOLT-ON KIT

This guide was first published on Apr 17, 2019. It was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

This page (Overview) was last updated on Mar 08, 2024.

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