3D prints aren’t normally understood for their warm resistance. However, [Integza] noted that utilizing the best techniques, it was possible to 3D print parts that might deal with heavy steam warm without failing. Thus, the natural progression from there was to develop a piston-type heavy steam engine.
The moving valve alternately feeds heavy steam to every side of the piston.
Resin prints are essential here, as the melting point of such parts is much higher than that of those turned out by common FDM printers. try this exact same develop utilizing PLA for the hot parts, as well as you’ll rapidly end up with a stack of molten goo.
To make such an engine work, valves are needed to enable heavy steam to flow into alternating sides of the piston to let it reciprocate continuously. A easy slide valve is used, enabling heavy steam to flow to one side of the piston as well as the other alternately, as driven by an arm coming off the flywheel connected to the engine’s output shaft.
Tested on compressed air as well as steam, the engine ran continuously, chugging away enthusiastically. However, heavy steam performance was compromised by the low pressure output of just 1.5 bar from [Integza]’s pressure cooker. Similarly, the cooker’s heavy steam capability was low, so the engine ran for just 15 seconds.
However, it suggests that with a much better supply of steam, the printed steamer might certainly run for some time. If you’re not into the wetter engines out there, though, think about extruding a Stirling engine instead. video after the break.