3D Printed Watermill

For a really cool science experiment, my daughter and I decided to see if we could print a real working watermill.  The goal was to 3D print everything except a DC motor (to generate the electricity) and a multimeter (to measure the power generated).  We were successful and we did not even use any screws or glue to put the parts together.  The only screws that we used were to mount the RS-550 motor to the 3D printed motor mount.

The following video shows the watermill in action:

To "Glue" the parts together we use the Kuman 3D drawing pen as shown in the following videos.  The first video was a test to see how well the parts would stick together and the second video showed how we "glued" the ballbearing to the frame of the windmill.

The next video shows how we attached the RS-550 DC motor to the 3D printed motor mount.

You will need to print the following parts:

2 - ballbearings

1 - motor holder

2 - Gear holders

4 - Gear holder stands

1 - Water Wheel

2 - Water Wheel sides

2 - Beam to Motor

several beams, connectors and 2_beam_connectors

The beams while connect the water wheel to the motor.  The beam_to_motor piece will connect to the motor.  The 2_beam_connectors are used to connect two beams together.  You will want to "Glue" the connector to the beams.  Finally the connector is used to keep the pieces in place on the beam.

This was a really awesome experiment and if you are looking for a fun science experiment to do with your kids (or even for yourself), this maybe the perfect experiment.