Drone/Plane Propellers– generative design, any size
Description
In 3d printing a RC Stearman model I needed an 11x5.5 prop. Instead of paying $3 for one I spent _thousands_ of person-hours using high-expertise design skills to build this! It's a _procedurally generated_ propeller design that's **variable-enabled**. You can enter your dimensions and get a prop or customize and tailor to your hearts content. Don't like my vortex generators? Remove 'em or change them. I'd like to build this document up with different sizes that people can just download- so if you'd like a size or variation that's not here ping me and I'll get you the STL and upload it here. Leave a comment or [send me a telegram](https://t.me/coolwheel) ## Printing Needs to be printed with supports then sanded. I use (and recommend) high-temperature PLA+ to print. It anneals when oven heated and becomes even stronger. Here's my process: - Print upside down with ~55-deg overhang supports. This makes the thin trailing edge come out great. - I use 3 wall perimeters with super thin 0.1mm layers and a high infill of 'lines' or 'grid' to keep it symmetric and balanced. - Optional annealing: - after printing LEAVE SUPPORTS ATTACHED - Bake in oven for ~10-15 minutes. I used 220F for my HTPLA+ from fusion filaments. - Carefully remove supports. They're stronger now so go slow. - Sand sand sand. I: - start by using a combination of a dremel sander and 80-120 grit to get all the layer lines out on the top and bottom surfaces (bottom is more important). - Then I wet sand with ~200 grit, ~300 grit, ~400 grit, and ~800 grit. That's it! My 11x5.5 prop takes ~5h of printing, 15m to bake, and 1h to sand/finish. ## Source / Design File Designed in onshape, effectively next-generation solidworks in the web (an mobile apps) [Here's the public document](https://b.link/propGen). Anyone can fork and extend the design for free. Also [here's the page](https://www.onshape.com/en/products/free) to get a free account, they keep a little it hidden from their main site ### Post your make! [](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4462531/make) Please post 'em! Really! Take a quick cameraphone photo of your print in all its glory and show it off! Plus it really helps get this design out there to the world. ### Want a variation / label / engraving? [Telegram me](https://t.me/coolwheel)! _Designing stuff_ is fun but interacting with cool people and hearing about their projects _is better._ I can generate any variation / engraving easily, [send me a telegram](https://t.me/coolwheel) and/or leave a comment and let's make your perfect version. I only ask that you post a make! If you'd like for me to export a STEP file or help with a variation, no problem. Message me.
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