Introduction: How to Make a DC Motor With Classroom Materials

What is a DC Motor?


A DC motor is a direct current motor that transfers electrical energy to mechanical. Most DC motors rely on the magnetic forces produced by the currents in the copper coils. In a DC motor, there are two main components: The rotor and the stator. The rotor is a set of rotating electromagnet poles, and the stator is the stationary part of a motor which supplies the rotor with a magnetic field that allows it to rotate.


How Does a DC Motor Work?


When the motor is provided with an electric current, it is directed to the stator, creating the magnetic field that allows the rotor to spin.


What Are DC Motors Often Used For?


DC motors are used in many things such as robots, cranes, electric vehicles, lifts, and many portable power appliances.


Supplies

To make a DC motor out of classroom materials, you will need:


  • Permanent Magnet(s)
  • Copper Wire
  • Power source
  • Sandpaper
  • Paperclips
  • A stand to rest the paperclip on (two cups in this case)
  • Electrical tape

Step 1: Construct a Base

Using two different objects with the same height, in my case two paper cups, construct a base where you can then use the electrical tape your paper clips onto it to hold the copper wire.

Step 2: Create Your Copper Coils

Using a cylinder like object, wrap your copper wire around it until looks like the image above, with the two end bits coming out the side.

Step 3: Sanding

Sand one end until it is completely sanded, then lightly sand the other side.

Step 4: Add Your Copper Coils to Your Base and Place the Magnets Underneath

Now that you have finished your copper coil, balance it in between your paper clips and then place a magnet underneath. It should look something like this image above.

Step 5: Connect It to a Power Source

All you now need to do is connect your DC motor to your low voltage power source, and you should be ready to go! If it isn't managing to continuously spin, this could be due to multiple different factors, such as your coils are to heavy, your coils weight is not centred, or you simply have too little or too much voltage power.