Jun.22, 2013
Richard Macfarlane designed a 3D printed 2-stage axial turbine powered by a standard vacuum cleaner. This low cost turbine spins at 60,000 rpm, sounds like a 747 taking off. It produces amazing power, and the vacuum sucks up its own dust - a production version of this design could be a very useful tool.
The design is a 2-stage axial turbine, with 2 stators to twist the air, and 2 rotors to deliver the power. Macfarlane 3D printed the enclosure and the pair of turbines using PLA plastic on a Makerbot Replicator 2. "DO NOT PRINT the body, I purchased a 2" plastic wheel which has the strength for the high rpm. The shaft is 5mm all-thread or bolt, and the socket is a 5mm Philips head screw drilled out." suggests Macfarlane. you will need to do some machining, and because of its high speed, remember to use eye protection at all times.
The speed and power is amazing. This could be a good start for someone to develop it further to make a useful tool for production. You can download the stl files here on Thingiverse to start your experiment.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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I hope you patented it
John wrote at 6/25/2013 6:01:03 AM:
Was that printed at the 100 micron Z setting? Also, was the surface sanded, etc?
Eduardo wrote at 6/23/2013 2:47:56 AM:
Just please be careful and wear heavy duty eye and face protection when running it. Other than that it's a great idea. Congratulations!
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