Electromagnet

thingiverse

This attempt at an electromagnet features plastic castings and low-melt alloy for its coil, consisting of one base-disk and four coil-disks with 1.5 turns each, resulting in a total of six turns. The magnetic core is iron powder mixed with epoxy. However, the performance was disappointing as it could barely move a paperclip with tens of amps. Low permeability of the magnetic core is likely the main reason for its poor performance, and using a solid iron/steel core might improve its functionality. The design may be worth exploring or learning from, as well as the construction techniques used. Plastic castings were employed, but disks can also be printed or laser-cut. Using multiple disks avoids overhang issues common in 3D printers. An experimental solid coil with internal cavities is also provided, containing 11.5 turns and designed to minimize overhangs. The printability of this object is unknown. Inverse designs are also available for visual aid. If a working electromagnet is created, it could be used on Thingiverse motor (ID 329). Note that low-melt alloy can be hazardous and should only be handled by those experienced in lab environments. More details are provided in the Electromagnet.pdf file. AD_PRT files are Alibre Design parametric solid models, with a lightweight version available as freeware.