[WIP] A novel 3D printed Lego mini motor for the PF system

[896gerard]

For long, I've wanted a small strong mini Lego Technic motor, smaller than an M-motor. As I recently learnt how to draw Lego parts and had the opportunity to use 3D printed nylon (using laser sintering) , I decided to try a small motor as well.

As the PU motor stuff is getting big and heavy, this is my response: a small easy-mountable motor with a case of only 5 by 2 by 2 studs. 70% of the motors in Lego Technic models don't have to be large. Only the mount of this tiny motor is 2x3 studs. The mount is tailor made for Technic applications: if you build often with M-motors you will know that an M-motor always must be connected to a 1L beam to ensure that the gears won't slip and to mount the M motor securely. The mount design of this new motor eliminates the need for the beam, so that's one stud saved already. Because the motor is only 2 studs wide, 3 mini motors can be in the space of 2 M-motors. Also, 3 mini motors take up the space of one XL motor.. 

The exterior design is derived from a PF M-motor, because I like the design and want to keep using the PF looks. 

This is still a work in progress as I need to mount a 9V connector and insert the inner electric motor(already in stock here). I also need to do some more painting and sanding. Nonetheless, the printed parts are quite accurate. I will give an update soon when the motor is working. The motor gets internal electrics that work up to 12V so also third party remote control bricks will be allowed to use their boost modes. My big hope is that TLG understands that we need small motors and remotes, not big ones. 

The length of 5 studs makes this motor very easy to put in all kinds of leftover spaces. 

 

Thanks for reading. I'm open to design improvements! 

Edited November 24, 2020 by 896gerard

[amorti]

Looks useful!

How much power does it give? I'm guessing it's not suitable to drive a large model? Is it able to do functions like open a rear spoiler or a scissor door?

[Jundis]

This looks so useful, even I am a purist :D

I think it should have a mount to fit a bigger LA. But this is tricky, as you can't couple the axle holes... are these half stud pin holes in your motor?

[howitzer]

Since the Micro Motor in the 90's there hasn't been any small motors to fit tight spaces so smaller motors are indeed something that's sorely needed in Technic.

I'm a little worried about the 3D-printed axleholes for mounting, how durable they are?

Also, as PF is discontinued, I'd think that new motor designs would be more useful to make PU-compatible.

[ukbajadave]

Very interesting idea! I agree that the M motor is less than ideal as with no pin holes at the closed end it is difficult to build rigidly. How far down does the internal motor space go, I wonder if there is room for pin holes at the end?

Edited November 24, 2020 by ukbajadave

[Gumalca]

Yes, I would also add a connection at the end. Maybe the same as the front.

Also since you can't connect a half long pin end properly into the middle connection hole, I would make it an axle hole too.

At first I was wondering about the 2x2 dimension, because it feels like it still requires a 3x3 space in the end. But it probably means you can put gears right next to it, so makes sense.

[emielroumen]

Great idea! This would be a nice addition to the PF system.

[2GodBDGlory]

Nice work!

If only something like that were commercially available!

[Salih]

Can you give me the 3D files of this DC motor? Please...

 

[Lego Tom]

8 hours ago, Salih said:

Can you give me the 3D files of this DC motor? Please...

 

If you look at his profile you'll see he hasn't been here since Jan 2023.

[Salih]

So can you send it to my e-mail account?

mahut5salih@gmail.com 

[Maaboo the Witch]

15 minutes ago, Salih said:

So can you send it to my e-mail account?

mahut5salih@gmail.com 

You are aware that you're not talking to the original poster, right?

[Salih]

I've realized now😀😀

[2GodBDGlory]

@Salih, this doesn't answer your question, but are you aware of the CADA micro-motor? It's a cheap, mass-produced motor that has a similar use case, so perhaps it's something you could use instead? It's available here: https://decadastore.com/products/micro-motor-jv5043, or cheaper on AliExpress

[Salih]

46 minutes ago, 2GodBDGlory said:

@Salih, bu sorunuzun yanıtı değil ama CADA mikro motorunun farkında mısınız? Benzer bir kullanım senaryosuna sahip, ucuz, seri üretilen bir motordur, dolayısıyla belki onun yerine kullanabileceğiniz bir şeydir? Burada bulabilirsiniz:  https://decadastore.com/products/micro-motor-jv5043 veya AliExpress'te daha ucuz

Thank you for your interest. Lego engines are not sold in the country I live in. If I order from abroad, customs and shipping fees are expensive. I am thinking of buying N20 DC motor etc. My remote control car is broken but the receiver and transmitter are working. Actually I could order but I wanted to try it