Summary

I am working on a 3D print windmill and wind tunnel. These models are the results of my testing done in the period of June 2014 till October 2015.

2015_10_11 Updated the files with a better printable model and the shell version that shows possible ranges of its wings.

Print Settings

Rafts:

Yes

                                            <p class="detail-setting supports"><strong>Supports: </strong>                     <div><p>Yes</p></div></p>                                                                                <p class="detail-setting resolution"><strong>Resolution: </strong>                     <div><p>0.2 mm or less</p></div></p>                                                                                <p class="detail-setting infill"><strong>Infill: </strong>                     <div><p>yes</p></div></p>                                                        <br>                        <p class="detail-setting notes"><strong>Notes: </strong>                    </p><div><p>The Mill is difficult to print in ABS or PLA ! Support must be set at 45 deg for best results. If you have a a printer that suffers from warping take care that you mount the perf board well with extra clips.</p></div>

Post-Printing

            <p class="detail-caption"><strong>A small 7 cm diameter version</strong></p>                <p class="detail-image"><img src="https://thingiverse-production-new.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/98/9c/03/8d/fe/DSC05492.JPG"></p>                <p class="detail-image"><img src="https://thingiverse-production-new.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/81/0e/e2/52/5c/DSC05493.JPG"></p>                <p class="detail-video"><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XCkfvR5VTOA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>

How I Designed This

The idea for a wind mill came up a long time ago thanks to my experiences with kites (speed-wing type), and other hobby's like windsurfing. More inspiration came from Mc Escher's Spheres and my love for bio-metric 3D design and the 3D printing revolution.

I tried to fit it in more with nature by using the mathematical spiral formula and diverse shaping of it's wings. The first results show a 30 cm diameter type that can deliver electricity at wind speeds over 3 bf (to load a smartphone battery for example)

To make it work I used two nails without their heads or other strong metal that fits tight in the holes. The mill itself must be able to turn free. (use a drip of oil)

I will upload a version with the E motor mount soon.

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MC_Escher_Windmill