A YouTuber has developed a two-stage centrifugal compressor from a 3D printer. As documented in a video, “Let’s Print” printed various iterations of the centrifugal compressor from plastic until the performance was sufficient for the set goal.
The functional principle is based on two fast-rotating impellers that draw in air and bring it to a higher pressure via curved tracks and a spiral housing shape. The shafts are not rotated electrically, but by a turbine driven by compressed air.
Several modifications to the original design were necessary to achieve sufficient compression. In addition to more strongly curved impeller blades with a pronounced “basket shape” for more angular momentum, the YouTuber optimized the air flow to the turbine and the number of impeller blades.
Seals with hot glue in leaky areas were also necessary. Ultimately, the changes were enough to burst several balloons when operating at high speed. However, the prototype showed considerable wear of the first impeller stage due to friction. The final product was therefore not yet suitable for everyday use.
Let’s Print is making the model available free of charge on the Thingiverse portal.
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