Parametric Water Pump: Turn Any Small Motor Into a Custom Pump
by tootarU in Workshop > Tools
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Parametric Water Pump: Turn Any Small Motor Into a Custom Pump
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Ever needed a water pump but found commercial options either too expensive or not quite right for your project? This customizable 3D-printed water pump design is your solution. By leveraging parametric design, this pump adapts to work with virtually any small electromotor you have on hand.
Supplies
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Here's what you'll need:
- A 3D printer
- 1 electromotor
- 4 screws
You will need a f3d file for adjusting the pump.
I also attached stl files for the pump used in pictures.
Measuring Your Motor and Hardware
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Before we can customize the pump design, we need accurate measurements of your motor and mounting hardware. Grab a caliper or ruler - precision is key for a proper fit!
Customizing Parameters in Fusion 360
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Now that you have your measurements, let's customize the pump design in Fusion 360. We'll adjust the parameters to match your specific motor and requirements.
- Open the water pump design in Fusion 360
- Click on "Modify" in the toolbar
- Select "Change Parameters"
- Adjust the parameters to fit your needs
- Export the modified parts as STL files for 3D printing
3D Printing and Post-Processing
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Parts to Print
- Pump housing
- Impeller
- Motor mount
- Seal (optional, TPU material) - Can be replaced with electrical tape or similar flexible material
Post-Processing
Important: Some holes may need to be drilled out to fit your specific motor and hardware. This is normal and ensures a tight fit.
- Motor shaft holes
- Screw holes
Assembly and Testing
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Assembly
- Friction fit your motor to the base
- Slide impeller onto motor shaft
- Leave small gap between impeller and housing
- Add seal around motor mount
- Attach housing to motor mount
Quick Testing
- Dry test:
- Spin impeller by hand
- Check for rubbing
- Water test:
- Submerge pump
- Power up at low speed
- Check flow
If impeller rubs, add slight. If leaking, adjust seal or tape.
The pump might have to be "primed" by sucking some water through it.
That's it - your custom water pump is ready for use!