Have you ever wondered how electric motors work or wanted to build one yourself? With a few materials and a 3D printer, you can create your own electric motor! This guide will walk you through the process using enameled copper wire and a 3D printed part. All the files you need are available for free download.
To get started, you’ll need some enameled copper wire, a 3D printed rotor, copper pipe, sandpaper, a multimeter, a metal rod, a wooden base plate, support arms, bearings, stator arms, magnets, and either copper wire or a paper clip for connections.
First, secure the enameled copper wire to the rotor. Wrap the wire around the rotor about 600 times, ensuring it’s tight and secure. Once done, secure the end of the wire.
Cut a piece of copper pipe and drill a hole through it. Then, cut the pipe in half. Use sandpaper to remove the enamel from the ends of the wire, and secure the wire to the copper plates. Glue these plates to both sides of the rotor. Use a multimeter to check for continuity, ensuring the connections are solid.
Insert a metal rod through the center of the rotor. Create a base plate from wood to support your motor. Attach the support arms to the base and insert the bearings. Secure the stator arms and place magnets on each side of the rotor.
Use copper wire or a paper clip to connect the electrical components. Once everything is connected, apply a voltage to the motor and watch it come to life as it starts to rotate!
Building your own electric motor is a fantastic way to learn about electromagnetism and engineering. For a detailed tutorial and to download all the necessary parts for free, check out the resources provided. Enjoy your journey into the world of 3D printing and electric motors!
Using a 3D modeling software, design a rotor that you think would work well for an electric motor. Consider the shape and size, and how it will fit with the other components. Once you’re happy with your design, share it with the class and discuss the pros and cons of different designs.
Practice wrapping enameled copper wire around a small object. See who can wrap the wire the most evenly and tightly. This will help you develop the skills needed to create a functional rotor for your motor.
Learn how to use a multimeter by testing various objects around the classroom for electrical continuity. This will prepare you for checking the connections in your motor to ensure they are solid.
Experiment with different types of magnets to see how they interact with each other and with metal objects. This will give you a better understanding of how magnets will affect the rotor in your motor.
Using the materials provided, follow the steps to build your own electric motor. Once assembled, apply voltage and observe the motor in action. Discuss with your classmates what worked well and what challenges you faced during the process.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
You can build this electric motor using enameled copper wire and a 3D printed part. All the files are free to download. I ordered mine from a sponsor of this video.
Start by securing the wire to the rotor, wrapping it around about 600 times, and then secure the end. Cut some copper pipe, drill a hole through it, and then cut it in half. Use sanding paper to clean the enamel off the ends, and secure the wire to the copper plates. Glue the plates to the rotor on both sides and test for continuity with a multimeter.
Next, insert a metal rod through the center and create a base plate; I cut mine from wood. Take the support arms and secure them, then insert the bearings. Secure the stator arms and insert the magnets on each side. Use copper wire or a paper clip to make the electrical connections. Apply a voltage and watch it rotate.
For the full tutorial and to download all the parts for free, check out the resources provided.
3D Printing – A process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file, typically by laying down many successive thin layers of a material. – Example sentence: In our engineering class, we used 3D printing to create a model of a bridge for our project.
Electric Motor – A device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, often used to power machines and appliances. – Example sentence: The electric motor in the fan helps it spin and circulate air throughout the room.
Copper Wire – A type of wire made from copper, commonly used in electrical wiring due to its excellent conductivity. – Example sentence: We used copper wire to connect the battery to the light bulb in our DIY circuit project.
Rotor – The rotating part of an electrical or mechanical device, such as in an electric motor or generator. – Example sentence: The rotor in the wind turbine spins to generate electricity when the wind blows.
Bearings – Components that allow for smooth rotation or movement between parts, reducing friction and wear. – Example sentence: The skateboard’s wheels have bearings that help them roll smoothly on the pavement.
Magnets – Objects that produce a magnetic field, attracting certain metals like iron, and used in various engineering applications. – Example sentence: We used magnets to demonstrate how magnetic levitation can make trains float above the tracks.
Voltage – The measure of electrical potential difference between two points, which drives the flow of electric current. – Example sentence: The voltage of the battery determines how much power it can supply to the circuit.
Electromagnetism – The interaction of electric currents or fields and magnetic fields, a fundamental principle in engineering. – Example sentence: Electromagnetism is the principle behind how electric motors and generators work.
Materials – Substances or components used in the creation of products, structures, or systems in engineering. – Example sentence: Choosing the right materials is crucial for building a strong and durable bridge.
Assembly – The process of putting together various parts to form a complete machine or structure. – Example sentence: The assembly of the robot required careful attention to detail to ensure all parts fit correctly.
