Introduction: Kinetic Sculpture Helix

By Blog

Hi All,

This is yet another kinetic sculpture with a mesmerizing effect.

Faster to print, and easy to make. This can be printed as gifts for others as well


Supplies

  • 3d Printed
  • Helix (print this in blue)
  • Base
  • Cover
  • 1K ohm POT
  • 3V dc motor
  • 2 AA batteries
  • Battery holder
  • Wires

Step 1: 3d Modeling

  • I have used Freecad to design, following are the key steps
  • Helix
  • Create a sketch in the XY plane
  • Create a rectangle (60mm base) and then add a helix
  • Remember, we want to print the helix without support, so select a pitch and height higher than 45 degrees
  • I selected 120 mm as the pitch and 190 as the height
  • I printed a short version as a prototype print and to save time
  • Base
  • It is a simple cylinder with a motor mount and hole for the pot
  • I created a sketch as shown and then add 360-degree revolutions
  • The cover is just a circle with a 1mm height


Step 2: 3d Printing

  • Files are available at cults3d.com
  • Layer height: 0.29mm
  • Filament: PLA
  • Supports: No

Step 3: Circuit

  • This is a simple circuit
  • One wire from the motor is connected to the -ve from the batter holder
  • The positive of the battery and other wire of the motor connected to the 1K ohm pot
  • Test the motor is working and able to reduce speed

Step 4: Assembly

  • Fit the Pot first and then the motor
  • One can secure the motor and pot using a hot glue gun
  • Stick the battery holder with the help of double side tape
  • Fit the Helix on the motor shaft

Step 5: Adjusting

  • Switch on the motor by turning the POT in the lowest position possible
  • Now gently turn the pot, reducing the motor speed to a value that is not too fast and not too slow
  • Adjust based on your liking
  • With time the batteries will drain, so using the pot to adjust the speed

Step 6: Future Ideas

  • I would want to try to replace batteries with Solar panels
  • Or move to a 5v adapter or something
  • Maybe make an outdoor - wind-powered sculpture

Let me know if you have an idea what I should convert this into...