What is a 3D hologram fan — quick and sharp
A 3D hologram fan is a spinning LED display that produces the illusion of a floating object. Technically it relies on persistence of vision: tiny LEDs flash at precise angles while blades spin fast — your brain fuses the flashes into a single, hovering image. The end result? A floating logo, rotating product or animated object that looks like it’s sitting in thin air.
Marketing calls them “holograms.” The tech is different — but the outcome (stopping attention) is what matters to a store owner.
How it works — the real steps
- Content mapped: Video is sliced into frames that match the blade’s LED matrix.
- Spin & flash: A balanced motor spins the blade while the controller flashes LEDs at the precise rotation angles.
- Your brain fills the gaps: Persistence-of-vision turns flashes into a continuous image; designers add parallax and shading to sell depth.
- Short loops repeat: 8–16 second loops show the message to new passers-by repeatedly — without fatigue.
Tip: More blades = higher “motion density.” A 4-blade 45cm model looks smoother for rotating edges; 2-blade units can look brighter but slightly segmented.
Components — what actually matters when buying
- LED blades: Look at LED density and PWM control — they determine clarity.
- Motor: Invest in a brushless, balanced motor; vibration ruins image quality and creates noise.
- Controller & software: A flexible upload app, frame-timing tweaks and firmware updates = better results over time.
- Safety cover & mount: Acrylic guards protect customers and reduce perceived noise — mandatory for public installs.
Choose size like a pro — purpose first
Bigger is not always better. The correct size depends on where people will stand and what they should do when they see the display.
| Model / Size | Role | Viewing distance | Typical install |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11cm | Counter influence | 0.5–1.5 m | Billing desks, kiosks |
| 18cm | Demo tables | 1–2.5 m | Retail counters |
| 42cm | Store attraction | 2–4 m | Display islands |
| 45cm 4-blade | Smooth motion & demo | 1.5–4 m | Premium counters |
| 50–120cm / 360° | Attraction / events | 4–15 m | Malls, events |
Content rules that actually sell
- Square video: Avoid odd aspect ratios — square or near-square preserves composition.
- High contrast & simple forms: Bright pixels on dark backgrounds read best.
- Short loops (8–16s): Repetition without fatigue gets results.
- Minimal text + CTA: A short CTA or QR code at the end of the loop converts more than paragraphs of copy.
Practical rule: design for the distance. If your customers are a step away, enlarge shapes and reduce text.
Hologram fan vs LED screen vs projector — the ruthless comparison
Different tools for different jobs. Below is an interactive quick-compare — click tabs to highlight the winner for your goal.
Visibility
Impact
Cost
| Metric | Hologram fan | LED screen | Projector |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Novelty & demo (short-range) | High-impact branding (long-range) | Large-area video in dark rooms |
| Visibility | 1–15 m (size-dependant) | Very long (outdoor versions) | Depends on lumens & light control |
| Brightness | Good indoor; poor in direct sun | Very bright | Needs low ambient light |
| Cost | Low for small units; higher for large 360° | High | Moderate (plus screen) |
| Install | Low–medium | Medium–high | Medium |
Power & running cost — short math
Small counter units draw ~6–12W. Mid units (42–65cm) ~15–40W. Large 100cm+ units draw more. Example: a 42cm at 20W running 10h/day = 0.2 kWh/day → roughly 6 kWh/month — tiny compared to HVAC.
Installation, noise, safety and maintenance
- Mount secure: Use manufacturer mounts for overhead installs; tabletop stands for counters.
- Use covers: Acrylic shields reduce noise and are customer-safe.
- Test motors: Buy a demo sample to check vibration & noise before ordering bulk.
- Maintain: Dust blades, check fittings quarterly, update firmware.
Videos — the single biggest conversion multiplier
Add at least these two videos on the page: a product demo and an installation walk-through.
Demo video placeholder — replace with YouTube iframe (ID: YOUTUBE_ID_DEMO)
Install & safety demo placeholder — replace with YouTube iframe (ID: YOUTUBE_ID_INSTALL)
Who buys these and why they win
- Retail owners — raise conversions at POS with subtle influence.
- Event agencies — a compact showpiece that gets social shares.
- Brand marketers — memorable product demos that create talk-value.
Conclusion — a short, fierce checklist
- Decide purpose: influence at counter or attraction for walk-ins?
- Match size to viewing distance (use the sizes table).
- Request a demo of the exact model — motor & blade count change everything.
- Confirm upload workflow & warranty.