Pocket Van De Graaff generator

thingiverse

Construct a small Van de Graaff generator, but avoid placing it in pockets or near delicate electrical equipment. The top and bottom electrostatic combs are simplified using conductive ABS filament from Rainbot3D.com, making them printable without needing wires. The plastic has a resistivity of about 100 Ohm-cm, providing acceptable current levels for the generator's operation. The bottom comb is two parts that act as a clamp for the earth wire, while the top comb has a "shelf" for the tin foil wrapped sphere to rest on for electrical contact. Only an earth wire is needed, and a holder for battery packs is included in the base design. All parts except the combs were printed using PLA on a Rep2 and thing-o-matic mk6 printers. The generator requires additional materials such as a rubber band, 32mm fuse, PTFE tape, a 3V motor, M3 screws and bolts, and aluminum foil for the bowl. The top pulley is made of glass and the bottom rotor is PTFE tape over a printed rotor with a bulge to center the rubber band. Instructions are provided for assembly and operation, including wrapping the rotor with PTFE tape and attaching wires. Suggestions for improvements are welcome.