Engineering + Art =
Cryptatrope
An illusion created by physics
No electronics required. Pop in a glow stick or LEDs, and spin. Glints of light form mysterious 3D animations.
3 ways to experience
1A standalone optical effect
Cryptatrope FX
"Chosen as MakerWorld's Featured Model, a showcase for top-tier excellence."MakerWorld
A device with no story or puzzles, just the pure visual "wow." The FX is a mechanical hologram pushed to its limit. Several eye-popping designs available.
2A print-at-home escape room
Cryptatrope Adventure
"A groundbreaking concept and prop that we haven't seen used anywhere else in the puzzle realm."ESCAPETHEROOMers
A three-chapter adventure of optics, time, and causality. Print, decode, advance: each solved puzzle unlocks the next chapter.
3A personalized experience (available shortly)
Cryptatrope Letters
A custom secret message. Makes a great gift or game clue reveal.
Tinkerer Free
Try for free using the self-serve customization tool.
Up to 2 lines of basic text.
Coming soon: Summer 2026
Gift Bearer $39 (USD)
A short message with a dramatic reveal, perfect for a special occasion.
Up to 3 lines of stereoscopic text.
Each line floats at a depth you choose: closer, middle, or farther.
The following cryptic engraving is inscribed on the device's 16 sides:
LUMEN APPARET · FORMA MOVET · OCULI CAPTANT · MENS FINGIT · QUOD VIDETUR · NON SEMPER · QUOD EST · MOTUS PARVUS · MAGNA MUTAT · IMAGO ORITUR · EX TENEBRIS · ORDO FIT · SENSUS DUBITAT · RATIO QUAERIT · DONEC MENS · INTELLEGIT
Digital 3D-print-at-home file delivered by email, usually within 7 business days.
Game Master $49 (USD)
For when there's more to say.
Pick one:
- Style 1: Up to 16 lines of monoscopic text.
4 viewpoints, each with a distinct 4-line message. - Style 2: Up to 4 lines of stereoscopic text.
Each line floats at a depth you choose: closer, middle, or farther.
Customize the engraving inscribed on the device's 16 sides. Acts as a clue.
Digital 3D-print-at-home file delivered by email, usually within 7 business days.
Arcane Illusionist $89 (USD)
The full showpiece.
Everything in Game Master, brought to life with 3D animations.
Up to 3 animations of your choice; each type may be used more than once.
· spiral galaxy
· lemniscate (infinity)
· atomic symbol
· marquis border
Digital 3D-print-at-home file delivered by email, usually within 7 business days.
30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee. Prices adjusted to local currency at checkout. Terms & Privacy
Running an escape room or selling prints? Commercial licensing is available. Get in touch.
The Cryptatrope was designed to fit parts from these affiliate links: glow sticks or LED kit
Free designs
Portfolio
Provided for personal use. To discuss commercial licensing, please contact Mike.
Maker kits
Supplies
Kits contain non-printed parts for select print-at-home designs. Filament not included.
Cryptatrope Kit
Parts to make a Cryptatrope. The store page explicitly mentions Cryptatrope Adventure but this kit can be used for any version.
Get it from Bambu
The Limit of Possibility Kit
Parts to make one of several magnetic balancing sculptures.
Get it from BambuThese kits are sold by Bambu through their Maker's Supply program. Prime Tower Designs earns a commission on purchases made through these links.
Press
Featured in
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Apr 2026
ESCAPETHEROOMersA review of Cryptatrope: A Maker Adventure, which they called an exhilarating reveal, uncovering a hidden message in a captivating way.
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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 PolymakerFeatured guest on the weekly front-row seat to the world of 3D printing.
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Dec 2025
6abc & ABC LocalishA local feature on the Enchanted Ornament, a glowing 3D-printed ornament with a secret holiday message, and the little moments of magic Mike makes from basic physics.
About
The studio
Prime Tower Designs is led by Mike Brunswick, who spent 20 years in technical program management at Microsoft. When his 3D designs found a following on MakerWorld, he turned to design full time, founding The Brunswick Workshop LLC with his wife Elizabeth.
The studio focuses on optical mechanisms and kinetic objects: engineering principles turned into things you can hold. Mike's work has been honored in multiple 3D printing design contests, including a first-place finish in Bambu Lab's global Magic Trick contest, and he hosted MakerWorld's "Old World Magic" contest, which drew over 600 entries.
Contact
Get in touch
Questions, custom requests, or licensing?