Raleigh magician uses 3D printing to create giant penny for viral YouTube series

Shaun Jay, a Raleigh-based magician and founder of Raleigh 3D Design, recently used 3D printing to create a giant penny for a popular YouTube series, ABC11 WTVD reported. The penny measured about three feet across and weighed between 15 and 20 pounds.

Jay explained that 3D printing is a layer-by-layer process where melted plastic is extruded to build objects, not simply scanning and printing images. To make the large penny, he divided the design into eight pie-slice pieces, printed each separately, then glued and finished them around a wooden core.

The project was commissioned by YouTuber Tyler Blanchard’s team for Ryan Trahan’s viral penny series, which involved traveling across the country starting with a single cent. Jay had less than three weeks to complete the task.

Jay's background as a magician helped him approach the challenge creatively. He has performed magic since age 12 and previously worked as a street performer in Durham. His experience in magic contributed to his confidence in tackling the complex 3D printing project.