Diaphragm Air Engine
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About this print
A working diaphragm-driven air engine that demonstrates basic pneumatic principles. The model requires connection to a low-pressure air supply to operate and is intended as an educational or demonstration project rather than a functional mechanical component. Safe pressure testing before use is essential, and eye and ear protection should be worn during operation. PLA is a suitable material as it bonds well between layers, helping the parts hold together under light air pressure.
From the original design page
Original maker's notes
By TomStanton on Thingiverse · CC-BY
Please use this product at your own risk and always wear eye and ear protection!
Do not pressurise this engine without carrying out safe pressure tests. 3D print qualities vary and will not guarantee that the bottle cap/cylinder head can cope with high pressures.
Video for more info: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B1H5syp4PM
Print info:
Material: PLA (I prefer PLA as it's easy to get strong layer strength)
Nozzle diameter - 0.4mm
Print width - 0.5mm
Layer height - 0.2mm
Cylinder Head Print info:
Top/Bottom layers - 6
Outer walls - 6 (enable single wall preimeters for the cylinder volume fins)
Infill - 30%
Nozzle Temperature - 220c (Recommend 5-10c hotter than usual for extra strength)
Bed temperature - 50c
Other Parts Print info: (Can use your usual print settings, these are mine)
Top/Bottom layers - 3
Outer walls - 2
Infill - 15%
Nozzle Temperature - 210c
Bed temperature - 50c
Required Hardware:
13pcs M2x10 Bolts
6pcs M2 Nuts
4pcs MR128 8x12x2.5mm bearings
1pcs 0.5mm Viton Rubber Sheet
2pcs Oring (7mm Outside diameter 2mm Cross section)
1pcs 6mm Ball bearing
1pcs Brass tube 3mm Outside Dia 2mm Inside Dia (Need atleast 25mm to cut for conrod inserts and piston tube)
1pcs 1mm Steel wire (piston pin)
1pcs M3x10mm bolt (propeller adaptor attachment)
2pcs M3x6mm bolts (mount T-style propeller)
*1pcs 1/8 BSP pneumatic fitting
*1pcs O-ring (21mm Outside diameter 2.5mm Cross section diameter)
*Depending on which cylinder head you choose to use, you'll need either of these, not both.
Hole in the diaphragm needs to be 4mm and I recommend using a hole punch as cutting with a knife can result in the diaphragm tearing after little use.
The length of the brass tube and pin on the piston needs to be exactly the correct length or the engine won't run. I've attached an image of the length (brass tube 4mm from piston top, pin 10mm from piston top).
Formatting may have been simplified. These are the independent maker's instructions and fitment claims; Hark Tech has not independently verified them.
Printing Diaphragm Air Engine
For Diaphragm Air Engine we would normally reach for PLA — it is the easy, economical default and suits the majority of models. We set the layer height, wall count, infill and supports to suit the model and how you will use it, and those choices are already priced into your instant quote. Want a specific colour or material? Tell us and we will match it where we can.
Model details
| Downloads at source | 22,215 |
|---|---|
| Likes at source | 3,209 |
| Original model | View on Thingiverse |
| Designer | TomStanton |
| Licence | CC-BY |
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