Kinetic Sculpture Helix

Hi All,

This is yet another kinetic sculpture with a mesmerizing effect.

Faster to print, and easy to make. This can be printed as gifts for others as well

• 3d Printed
• Helix (print this in blue)
• Base
• Cover
• 1K ohm POT
• 3V dc motor
• 2 AA batteries
• Battery holder
• Wires

• I have used Freecad to design, following are the key steps
• Helix
• Create a sketch in the XY plane
• Create a rectangle (60mm base) and then add a helix
• Remember, we want to print the helix without support, so select a pitch and height higher than 45 degrees
• I selected 120 mm as the pitch and 190 as the height
• I printed a short version as a prototype print and to save time
• Base
• It is a simple cylinder with a motor mount and hole for the pot
• I created a sketch as shown and then add 360-degree revolutions
• The cover is just a circle with a 1mm height

• Files are available at cults3d.com

• Files are available at cults3d.com
• Layer height: 0.29mm
• Filament: PLA
• Supports: No

• This is a simple circuit
• One wire from the motor is connected to the -ve from the batter holder
• The positive of the battery and other wire of the motor connected to the 1K ohm pot
• Test the motor is working and able to reduce speed

• Fit the Pot first and then the motor
• One can secure the motor and pot using a hot glue gun
• Stick the battery holder with the help of double side tape
• Fit the Helix on the motor shaft

• Switch on the motor by turning the POT in the lowest position possible
• Now gently turn the pot, reducing the motor speed to a value that is not too fast and not too slow
• Adjust based on your liking
• With time the batteries will drain, so using the pot to adjust the speed

• I would want to try to replace batteries with Solar panels
• Or move to a 5v adapter or something
• Maybe make an outdoor - wind-powered sculpture

Let me know if you have an idea what I should convert this into...