Hummingbird

Intro: Hummingbird

Hummingbird is a hummingbird themed automata I designed for my wife, who smiles from ear to ear while feeding and watching the gathering hummingbirds at our home. Hopefully it will bring smiles to many more faces.

Hummingbird consists of 97 3D printed parts (38 unique parts) and, as I discovered, requires plenty of time and patience to print, assemble and tune. Along with the 3D printed parts, Hummingbird also requires a "uxcell 16mm DC 6V 60RPM Speed Torque Gear Box Electric Motor for Robot" (available from a variety of sources), a 6vdc power source, and four 1/4" or thicker stick on felt or rubber pads (for the base).

The file "Images.zip" contains all cad images and photographs included in this Instructable.

As usual, I probably forgot a file or two or who knows what else, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask as I do make mistakes in plenty.

Designed using Autodesk Fusion 360, sliced using Cura 3.2.1 and printed in PLA on both an Ultimaker 2+ Extended and an Ultimaker 3 Extended.

STEP 1: Print the Parts

I've included file "Hummingbird Parts.htm.zip" which contains the parts list and print parameters I used to print Hummingbird.

I've also included the file "STLs.zip" which includes all the parts in stl format.

Hummingbird is a high precision print and build. Prior to starting assembly, test fit and trim, file, sand, etc. all parts as necessary for smooth movement of moving surfaces, and tight fit for non moving surfaces. Depending on the colors you chose and your printer settings, more or less trimming, filing and/or sanding may be required. Carefully file all edges that contacted the build plate to make absolutely sure that all build plate "ooze" is removed and that all edges are smooth. I used small jewelers files and plenty of patience to perform this step.

Hummingbird uses threaded assembly, so a 6mm by 1 tap and die may be needed to clean the threads.

And finally, I used petroleum jelly judisiously on the gear train and between the rotating contact surfaces.

STEP 2: Assemble the Base

Press "Gear Motor.stl" onto the motor, then press the assembly into "Base.stl".

Assemble "Gear Compound (60, 20 Teeth).stl", "Axle Gear Compound 60, 20.stl" and "Spacer Axle Gear Compound.stl" as shown, then lace the assembly into the base and secure with two "Bolt 6mm, 8mm head, 4mm shoulder.stl" as shown.

Assemble one "Wheel Base.stl, "Axle Wheel Base.stl", "Bolt Wheel Base.stl" and "Bushing Axle Gear Base Long.stl" as shown. Position "Gear Wheel Base (60 Teeth).stl" in the base as shown, then slide the assembly through the Base, Gear Wheel Base (60 Teeth) and the Base as shown. Insert "Bushing Axle Gear Base Short.stl" onto the free end of the Axle Wheel Base, followed by the remaining "Wheel Base", then secure with the remaining Bolt Wheel Base.stl.

Finally, apply four 1/4" or thicker stick on pads to the bottom of the base, one in each corner.

STEP 3: Assemble the Transmission

The first image shows (left to right) "Bolt 6mm, 12mm head, 23 mm shoulder.stl", "Arm Body Front.stl", "Arm Base Right.stl", "Spacer 8.2mm.stl", "Spur Gear (30 teeth).stl", "Arm Body Front.stl", "Arm Base Left.stl" and "Bolt 6mm, 12mm head, 23 mm shoulder.stl".

Position "Arm Body Front.stl" and "Arm Base Right.stl" as shown, then slide "Bolt 6mm, 12mm head, 23mm shoulder.stl" and secure loosely in place with "Spacer 8.2mm.stl" as shown.

Position "Spur Gear (30 teeth).stl" onto the spacer.

Complete the assembly with the remaining components as shown.

STEP 4: Assemble the Body

Securely attach nine "Spacer 8.2mm.stl" to "Body Right.stl" using nine "Bolt 6mm, 8mm head, 4mm shoulder.stl".

Assemble "Bolt Wheel Body.stl", "Wheel Body", "Bushing Wheel Body.stl" and "Axle Wheel Body.stl" then position on "Body Right.stl" as shown.

Place three "Spur Gear (30 teeth).stl" onto the assembly as shown, then secure "Body Left.stl" to the assembly using nine "Bolt 6mm, 8mm head, 4mm shoulder.stl".

Finally, attach the remaining "Bolt Wheel Body.stl", "Wheel Body" and "Bushing Wheel Body.stl" parts to the assembly as shown.

When complete, the gears must rotate easily.

STEP 5: Assemble the Wings

Position "Pivot Wing.stl" onto "Pivot Shoulder.stl" and secure in place with "Bolt Pivot Wing.stl" as shown. The shoulder pivot and bolt must rotate easily in the wing pivot.

Position "Wing Right.stl" onto "Pivot Wing.stl" as shown, then secure firmly in place with "Bolt 6mm, 10mm head, 4mm shoulder.stl" as shown.

Snap the small end of "Rod Connecting 6.3mm Hole.stl" onto the ball on "Pivot Wing.stl" as shown.

Position the assembly on "Body Right.stl" as shown, then secure in place with "Bolt Pivot Shoulder.stl" as shown.

Snap the large end of "Rod Connecting 6.3mm Hole.stl" onto the ball of the right body wheel as shown.

Repeat the assembly process for the left wing, then attach the left wing assembly to "Body Left.stl" as was the right wing.

STEP 6: Attach the Transmission to the Base

Slide "Spacer 8.2mm.stl" into "Spur Gear (30 teeth).stl", then position the assembly into the base as shown.

Position the transmission assembly on the base, then secure in place with two "Bolt 6mm, 12mm head, 8mm shoulder.stl" as shown.

Position the right and left base arms on the base wheels as shown, then secure in place with two "Bolt 6mm, 10mm head, 4mm shoulder.stl" as shown.

To test the assembly, remove the motor and make sure the gears turn and the transmission pivots freely. Reinstall the motor, and attach a 6vdc power source to the motor such that the right "Wheel Base.stl" rotates clockwise as viewed from the arm side of the wheel.

STEP 7: Attach the Body to the Transmission

Attach the two "Arm Body Rear.stl" to the base assembly using two "Bolt 6mm, 12mm head, 8mm shoulder.stl" as shown.

Slide one "Spacer 8.2mm.stl" into "Tail.stl" as shown the position the assembly into the body assembly as shown.

Slide one "Spacer 8.2mm.stl" into one "Spur Gear (30 teeth).stl" as shown, the position the assembly into the body as shown.

Lower the body onto the front and rear body arms an secure loosely in place using four "Bolt 6mm, 12mm head, 8mm shoulder.stl" as shown.

STEP 8: Attach the Stem and Flower to the Base

Press "Flower.stl" onto "Stem.stl" as shown, the press the assembly into the base assembly as shown.

Hope you enjoy Hummingbird!

Comments

[nsanti1]

I just started printing the parts for this. Can the motor be added last so I can ensure all the mechanics are moving freely, or does the motor have to go in first?

[gzumwalt]

Hi nsanti1,

For this motor, it should be able to be installed as the last step.

Greg

[crabcafe]

Hi Greg.. I really enjoy making your models.. just came across this one.. Would an N20 motor do here? or would not not have enough torque.. I have a ton of N20, but will order this specific one if needed. I think I'll embed 4 batteries in the base to make it 'wireless'.

[gzumwalt]

Hi crabcafe,

The original model was built using an N20 model and it worked fine. I later added an adapter for a much more quite gear motor for a friend of mine.

Greg

[DavidW653]

I also want to use an N20, but how would you mount it? The round hole seems to be configured for 16mm DC 6V 60RPM Speed Torque Gear Box Electric Motor. I also could not get the Gear Motor.stl to fit on the shaft - the D opening was much too small; for the N20. Any help would be appreciated

[gzumwalt]

Hi DavidW653,

At the time, I had designed an adapter for an N20, but can no longer find it. :(

Greg

[bartolo2311]

Dear Sir, thanks for the model. Each STL file needs to be printed once or there are some components that needs to be printed more than once?

[gzumwalt]

See the file "Hummingbird Parts.htm.zip". In step 1, I note the file contains the quantities and print settings I used.

Greg

[RonaldW49]

Hello Greg,
I built two of you Hummingbirds. I would like to place a timer and relay in the base. Would you mind giving me the Fusion 360 *.f3d file for the base? I want to print the base hollow (zero infill in the bottom) except for the motor mount area and upper bearing points.
Thank you!
Ron

[gzumwalt]

Hi Ron,

I'm not sure I have these files anymore, but I will check. If I find it, how do I get it to you?

Greg

[RonaldW49]

Greg,
Please send it to [e-mail]
Hope you find it. Many thanks!
Ron

[Dieterertl]

Hi Greg,

any chance you would share the original Fusion 360 file?

Cheers Dieter

[gzumwalt]

Hi Dieter,

I'm truly sorry, but I no longer have these files.

Greg

[Alavabeer]

Hi Greg,

Hope that you are well.

I have completed the hummingbird but I am having trouble getting the wings to work properly, currently, when I have the wings attached the model seizes when the wing tips are at there most forward point.

I have tried a few different things but with no success.

I have made the connecting arm solid, made the stem holding the ball a little longer on the body wheel and made the holes slightly bigger in the connecting rods.

Any other suggestions please?

Kind Regards,

Steve

[gzumwalt]

Hi Steve,

Will it operate by hand (e.g. without the motor)?

Greg

[Alavabeer]

Hi Greg,

I've managed to get things working.

Remade a couple of the wing components and tightened a couple of things up and that seems to have cured it.

Thanks again for responding and for another great design.

Just finished the 'Pencil Puzzler Revisited' too.

Kind Regards,

Steve

[Alavabeer]

Hello Greg,

I've just built the Domino Machine for my grandchildren to play with and it works great.

I've now stared on the single hummingbird and I was wondering if you have photos of the the motor and how it fits into the base, I just want to make sure that I order the correct part.

Can I power the humming bird using the same power pack that you used for the Domino Machine?

Thanks in advance for your time.

Regards,

Steve

[ronsstuff2010yt]

Hello Greg,
I sent you an email three days ago to your youtube pop address.
Have you see that?
Thanks,
Ron

[gzumwalt]

Hi Ron,

No, I did not. I believe that account is no longer or partially disabled. I'll check.

Greg

[vladimirbobkov503]

Отличный проект.Спасибо за вашу работу.Для свободного вращения шестерен требуется некоторая доработка.А так все великолепно.