3D Printed Pump
I designed a pump prototype using a spatial cam and a piston. After designing process, I printed the pump on a 3D printer, I cleaned it from support material, I made the valves, and now the pump is ready for action.
When the crank is rotating, the rotation is transformed in translation movement by the spatial cam (the brown part).
A short movie with this pump is shown on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZXf_hwig40&feature=player_embedded
When the crank is rotating, the rotation is transformed in translation movement by the spatial cam (the brown part).
A short movie with this pump is shown on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZXf_hwig40&feature=player_embedded
Printing Process
Printing process: The pump was positioned on the 3D printing machine and it was built. I used a polymer jet machine. This machine uses two materials: one is used for part building and the other is used for support and it must be removed after printing. I chose to build all the assembly in one piece, except the covers, in order to clean the support material.
Cleaning Process
The support material is removed by hand and by waterjet.
Valve Assembly
I used drilled screws, springs and balls for valves construction, because it was impossible to obtain them by 3D printing.
The Pump in Action
Turning the crank, I blow up a balloon. In the next stage, the crank will be replaced with a motor.