Tip # 3: Practice using the hotkeys and built in functions. It is impossible for the Penrose Stairs to exist because in order for it to exist rules of Euclidean geometry would have to be violated. A variation on the Penrose triangle, it is a two-dimensional depiction of a staircase in which the stairs make four 90-degree turns as they ascend or descend yet form a continuous loop, so that a person could climb them forever and never get any higher. That's the food for thought now lets get the food! Also, actually measuring it out will make the 3D modeling process will go much MUCH faster. In todays Instructable, I teach you how to create the iconic Penrose Steps which were conceived by father-son duo Lionel and Roger Penrose, and also featured in the movie Inception. The ‘impossible stairs‘ is a two dimensional staircase having four 90 degree turns forming a continuous loop. Anyone can do it, … He did do some interesting stuff huh? If you have someone printing these things off for you, disregard what I just wrote and simply send it to the person you have printing for you. Also, feel free to play around with different "Infinite staircase" designs online. The Penrose steps, when viewed at the proper angle, appear to create an infinite upward staircase with no obvious beginning or end. Where many people with no interest in science will recognise Sir Roger will be in the so-called "Penrose Staircase", or "Impossible Staircase". Thanks for checking out this Instructable! Feel free to get creative with the colors that you choose! For example, I have been using Cura to orient my files and then ultimately upload them to a Luzbot Taz 6 3D printer that I am lucky to have access to. Which means that a person could climb or descend them forever without getting anywhere. Did you make this project? It doesn't take much to create these Penrose steps! Once the Penrose Steps are printed out, you will want to spray on some primer and then coat it with white spray paint. Here is what you'll need: - Access to a 3D Printer with PLA filament *If you don't have one, you can find someone online (like etsy or something) that can print files for you and then send them to you* Filament can be found here, - 3D Modeling Software (I will supply the files to you but it is good to get so you can start to learn). Can't wait to do the next one! Good news! The Penrose stairs, also known as the impossible staircase, is a two-dimensional depiction of a staircase in which the stairs make four 90-degree turns as they ascend or … Also, instead of building things over and over in meticulous detail, you can take advantage of the Mirror or Revolve functions that can do those things in a fraction of the time. Things aren't always as they seem. Share it with us! It was pretty straightforward with the hardest parts being, like I said before, just visualizing how it was going to come together. This is the fun optical illusion that depicts an ever-descending, or ascending, series of steps. on Introduction, Reply Let's learn how to create this mind-bending Illusion. The video, filmed at Rochester Institute of Technology by Michael Lacanilao, was edited to create a seemingly cyclic stairwell such that if someone walks in either direction, they will end up where they started. Now display the Penrose Steps for your friends and family to see! I also painted it gold for fun! You will need to upload the files to a 3D "slicer" respective to the 3D printer you are using. It will take longer but it will be well worth it. The Penrose stairs or Penrose steps, also dubbed the impossible staircase, is an impossible object created by Lionel Penrose and his son Roger Penrose. 1 year ago I love optical illusions too! Before I turn the coveted files over to you, I want to spread some wisdom from what I have learned in the couple of weeks from 3D printing to the aspiring person who wants to get into 3D printing (as an inexperienced 3D printer myself). Tip # 2: Create a rough sketch from your reference photo and measure it. Thanks for checking it out! :p If you enjoyed this Instructable, please leave a like, a comment and if you make it, let me know, I would LOVE to see what you come up with! Thanks for the nice comment! Anyone can do it, so let's get to it! Impossible stairs - also called Penrose stairs, Penrose steps, continuous staircase, or the impossible staircase - is a type of optical illusion called an impossible object. Check another cool 3D printing Instructable project (with file) here: https://www.instructables.com/id/3D-Printed-Star-Trek-Classic-Phaser/. If you choose not to paint etc, you are done!] I quote Spongebob when I say, "Well, here ya go.." These are the STL files for the Penrose Steps.