YouTuber builds electric motor from 3D-printed parts and offers 3D models for download

In his latest video, YouTuber Robert Murray-Smith shows how to build a simple electric motor using 3D-printed parts and readily available materials. The project is suitable for technology enthusiasts who want to explore the basics of electromagnetics in a practical way.

Murray-Smith is making the required 3D models available free of charge on the Thingiverse platform. The components include a ring, a stand and various brackets. Twelve 15 mm x 5 mm neodymium magnets are used for the rotor. These are inserted alternately with the north and south poles into the printed ring and fixed in place with superglue.

Murray-Smith mounts the rotor on a stand into which he presses two ball bearings (22 mm x 8 mm x 7 mm), and as a central element he uses a solenoid consisting of a 70 mm long M10 screw, which he wraps with copper wire. This solenoid serves as an electromagnet as soon as direct current is applied.

Applying current creates a magnetic field whose polarity depends on the direction of the current. If the solenoid is positioned close to the rotor, the magnetic field interacts with the magnets in the ring. This results in a rotary movement, as the magnets are attracted or repelled depending on their polarity.

To operate the motor automatically, Murray-Smith uses an H-bridge, which he implements with a relay. This circuit makes it possible to periodically change the direction of the current without having to intervene manually. As a result, the rotor continues to turn continuously.

Another important component is a ratchet mechanism that controls the direction of rotation. It ensures that the rotor always moves in the desired direction and does not swing back. The mechanism consists of additional 3D-printed parts and a rubber band that serves as a spring.

The video provides step-by-step instructions. It shows how to create a working model of an electric motor using simple means. The required 3D models are available as a free download on Thingiverse.