Jul 19, 2016 | By Alec
If you’re a guy, chances are you’ve probably opened the hood of your car, poked around for a bit and then thought “Yep, that’s an engine”. While most men are fascinated by engines, unfortunately many of us can do little more than check the oil. But if you’re eager to learn more, you can now do so at home without taking your own car apart. Mechanical engineer Eric Harrell has just shared a 3D printable 35-percent scale model of a Subaru's EJ20 flat-four engine that is fully functional, though obviously not a real engine. A perfect 3D printing project that will teach you all about how engines actually function.
If this project sounds familiar, that’s because this isn’t actually Harrell’s first 3D printed engine. The mechanical engineer, who goes by ERICTHEPOOLBOY online, has previously shared numerous fantastic car-related 3D printing projects, including this working 3D printed replica of a Toyota 4 Cylinder Engine 22RE back in January. Most importantly, like that Toyota replica, this Subaru engine is not an actual engine. “It's fully functional as in all parts move as intended in the real thing. Do not confuse it with a real engine, as this is not,” Harrell says.
So while you won’t need any gas pipes, this cool model can be hooked up to a little electric motor to power it. The result is a fantastic, ‘functional’ engine model that highlights exactly how engines function – perfect for classrooms or as an educational toy for car enthusiasts of all ages.
But as the designer explains, this second engine is slightly harder than the Toyota project – which was touted as one of the most difficult projects on Thingiverse at the time. “So it is best to print or familiarize yourself with my previous models if you choose to print this one. The scale is once again 35% of the original which seems to be a good size for printing and finding fasteners that work and look right. The tolerances are a little tighter and depending on your printer the crankshaft might take some tweaking to get it right so that there is not interference while rotating,” he says.
But like predecessor, it was completely designed using SolidWorks. While Harrell won’t share the SolidWorks files, all 3D printable files can be downloaded from Thingiverse here. The Subaru engine model was designed to be 3D printable at home on a regular 3D printer. In fact, it features a slightly smaller engine block than the Toyota 22RE – which should make it possible for particularly small 3D printers to be used as well. He actually used a Prusa i3 RepRap 3D printer that cost just $200, so chances are your 3D printer will do just fine. Depending on your hardware, a few supports could be needed, the designer says, adding that he 3D printed everything at 0.2 mm resolution with a 20-40% infill.
Harrell, meanwhile is already looking at his next automobile-related 3D printing project. “Next I would like to do the AWD transmission for this engine or a LS1. If anybody can help with providing an engine to model from, it would be greatly appreciated,” he says.
Posted in 3D Printing Application
Maybe you also like:
- Russian Helicopters showcases 3D printed metal parts for Ansat Helicopter at Innoprom 2016
- University's Cordless Screwdriver Races taken to new heights with 3D printed vehicles
- Maxim Lyashko shares first ever Russian-made 3D printed bionic prosthesis with the world
- Heero: remote 3D printer monitor can kiss away the pain of failed prints
- Entirely 3D printed missiles on the horizon, says Raytheon Missile Systems president
- Adam Wrigley unveils Clockwerk: the first ever 3D printed three-axis tourbillon clock
- Fashion student designed a beautiful 3D printed dress to demonstrate a novel fashion app concept
- Skinsuit designed with help of 3D printing gives cyclist Tom Dumoulin competitive edge at Tour de France
- Dubai lays out regulations for 3D printed buildings
- Early success of Pokémon Go bodes well for augmented reality developers
Incredible! Can you include the failing head gaskets in it?
I.AM.Magic wrote at 7/19/2016 4:20:47 PM:
Awesome !
3Ders.org provides the latest news about 3D printing technology and 3D printers. We are now seven years old and have around 1.5 million unique visitors per month.
