3D Printed Axial Compressor is On a Mission to Inflate Balloons
Originally published on hackaday.com by Donald Papp on 29 January 2024
Let’s Print has been working on creating a 3D-printed axial compressor that can perform meaningful work. In the latest iteration, a combination of FDM and SLA printed parts was used to successfully inflate and pop a latex glove, marking a significant improvement. The design underwent modifications to the number and type of fan blades on the compressor stages to achieve the desired outcome.
Various challenges were encountered during the design process, including issues with the coupling between the motor and the rest of the unit. The high speeds at which the compressor operates revealed weak points that needed addressing. Despite these challenges, Let’s Print remains determined to explore and develop more effective compressor designs in the future.

It’s worth noting that attaching motor shafts to 3D-printed devices can be challenging. Some solutions, such as using half of a spider coupling (or jaw coupling), have proven effective and economical for connecting 3D-printed components to a shaft.
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