Home Practice & Makers YouTuber demonstrates 3D printing of a generator and provides model files

YouTuber demonstrates 3D printing of a generator and provides model files

YouTuber Robert Murray-Smith has introduced a new approach to designing generators based on the principle of “circumferential flux”. The magnetic flux is surrounded by a coil instead of placing the coil in the flux field, as is common in axial or radial designs. This design offers interesting advantages and can be produced using a 3D printer.

The heart of the generator consists of just a few components: a magnetic rotor disk, coil holders, an axle and neodymium magnets. The magnets are arranged alternately in north and south orientation to generate a constant flux field. The coils are manufactured as serpentine windings and bent in such a way that they form a star-shaped structure. This design allows the majority of the magnetic flux to be utilized with minimal use of material.

The design does not use heavy steel cores, which makes the generator extremely light and increases power density. Murray-Smith relies on commercially available ball bearings and a simple axle design, keeping the entire device robust yet cost-effective. The prototype delivers an open circuit voltage of around 11 volts per coil, which suggests an output voltage of around 22 volts with two coils.

A key advantage of this design is its complete manufacturability with a 3D printer. This makes it particularly attractive for hobbyists who want to develop a generator for experiments or as a basis for projects such as wind turbines. The parts required are minimal and the design files can be downloaded for free from Thingiverse.


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