MIT 3D-printed electric engine for 50 cents

A team of researchers from the MIT Microsystems Technology Laboratory has developed a new platform for multi-material 3D printing that allows you to print almost a complete working electric motor in a single production run.

As part of the demonstration, engineers created an electric linear motor that generates translational motion instead of shaft rotation. Similar devices are used in robotics, optical positioning systems and conveyor equipment.

3D printer equipment

The developed 3D printer is equipped with four extrusion tools that can work with different types of materials. This allows you to apply up to five functional materials in a single automated process. For comparison, traditional multi-material systems are usually limited to two types.

The platform supports the use of structural and dielectric materials for the housing and insulation, conductive – to form conductive tracks, soft magnetic – to create magnetic fields, as well as hard magnetic materials that act as permanent magnets. If necessary, flexible materials can also be used.

The system is equipped with sensors and a control unit that ensure precise positioning and distribution of materials in specified zones. After printing, only one additional stage is required – magnetization of the hard magnetic component. After that, the motor is ready to start.

In the future, the team plans to integrate the magnetization process directly into the printing cycle, as well as move from linear structures to fully printed rotary motors.