Overview and Background

Instructions

This is a laser-cutter project, which will require a supply of acrylic sheet and a laser cutter able to cut at least 1/8" (3mm) acrylic. The model can be made entirely of plain clear acrylic, or various parts (see photos) can optionally be made of colored acrylic.

The dxf file contain all the cutting and engraving patterns, one layer per thickness/color of acrylic. Lines in yellow are meant to be engraved, all other colors of line should be cut. Use the speed and power settings appropriate for your laser cutter: every one is different.

The layers are split up by type of acrylic.

A1 should be cut in 1/16" (1.6mm) acrylic
A3 should be cut in 1/8" (3mm) acrylic (optionally colored)
G should be cut in 0.020 PETG or similar film.

The PETG film can be anything you like that is about 0.5mm thick. Its purpose is to provide a bit of space so the moving parts can slide freely.

A detailed assembly video showing exactly how to put the model together is available at https://mechanicalgifs.com/instructions

Lesson Plan and Activity

Steam Engines

Steam engines were a fundamental and fascinating part of the history of the industrial revolution. This model can be used together with the other steam engine models to illustrate of the key areas of innovation: the way in which the harmonic, oscillation motions of the piston and steam valve were synchronized with each other to keep the engine in motion.

Materials Needed

Materials needed

(1) 1/16" (1.6mm) clear acrylic.

(1) 1/8" (3mm) clear acrylic, clear and optionally two colors.

(1) 0.020 PETG or similar film material. (Exact thickness is not important, it is used as a spacer to allow the moving parts to slide freely.)

(1) #6 x 3/4" round-head machine screw (or metric M3 x 20)

(15) #6 x 3/8" round-head machine screw (or metric M3 x 10)

(16) #6 hex nuts (M3)

Right-Angle Steam Engine from MechanicalGIFs.com