Add movement to your Models – 3D print a Power Plant

If you are a 3D printer hobbyist, chances are that at some point you will want to add some movement to your 3D printed models. Actually, any builder of models inventions and contraptions will find a neat, compact and powerful power plant useful. So that why I have invented this little power plant.

3D Printed Power Plant Electric Motor Model

The power plant makes use of the Tamiya 70189 motor and gearbox unit. These motor and gearbox kits can be purchased at model and hobby shops. Any stockists of Tamiya models should have them in stock or be able to order them. They are variable speed units and are highly versatile.

The crank arm goes one way if the switch is flipped to the left and the other way if the switch is flipped to the right. The animation below illustrated the operation quite well.

3D Printed Power Plant Electric Motor Model

The crank arm may be replaced by a gear if desired. In fact, any device may be installed on the end of the shaft. The drive shaft is hexagonal so it is easy to locate driving mechanisms using grub screws or similar means to lock them.

It’s Super-Easy!

This little power plant is really easy to assemble once you have the parts 3D printed. You will only have to add some readily available spares to complete it. It has been deliberately designed to use easy-to-find accessories. The only other ingredients you will need are:

1. Tamiya 70189 motor and gearbox kit
2. 1 x double-pole-double-throw switch
3. 2 x AA Batteries (Penlite)
4. Some flexible wire
5. Some standard metric stainless steel capscrews with nuts.

And nothing else!

The Stainless Steel fasteners used are:

• 6 x M3x16 Capscrew
• 2 x M3x12 Capscrew
• 1 x M2x12 Capscrew
• 12 x M3 Nut
• 1 x M2 Nut

These fasteners can be bought at any bolt shop and should be easy to find in most countries.

The internal workings are very simple.

3D Printed Power Plant – Internal workings

As you can see in the picture above, the unit is very small and compact. The battery compartment needs no springs or complicated equipment. The spring is inherent in the 3D printed design and all contact points are formed by making use of the stainless steel fasteners.

The electrical parts are also very simple. The circuit diagram below cannot get much simpler. The switch is a double-pole-double-throw switch. The on direction is forwards, the other is reverse and there is an “off” position in the middle.

Powerplant Circuit Diagram

You can get the 3D files on GrabCAD or on Thingiverse. Just download the STL files and 3D print them using your nearest 3D printing supplier or your own 3D printer if you have one. Very soon you will be powering you very own 3D models.

So make your own!

If you have any questions you are welcome to leave a comment in the comment section below or contact me via the contact page. If you make your own one, let me know about it and send me photo’s and I will feature it on this website or on GrabCAD.

And if you use this power plant in one of your own contraptions, that’s even better! We would love to feature your machine here on Thingimajigs.com.

3D Printed Power Plant Electric Motor Model

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