By
@ABN
Building a maglev "train" at home! Note for those interested: Printing time not included in total hours, since a friend of mine printed the parts for me.
@ABN
on
Maglev Train
I designed and made a maglev train at home, using simple fridge magnets to make it float above the track. The biggest challenge was getting the train to float even while not in motion, which required redesigns to add as much magnetic repulsion as possible. I am proud of making a functional design as a CAD beginner and being able to turn my half-formed ideas into something tangible. If you plan on printing these parts yourself, check the Github for magnet and STL info!
@ABN
on
Maglev Train
25m 35s logged
It can fly!
I updated the Onshape and reprinted the train with five magnet holes and a new spacing pattern. This means that, at all times, there is at least three magnets’ worth of propulsion. A big improvement from the previous zero, wouldn’t you say?
You can see in the image below that the ends are elevated above the track. When hit with the launcher, it maintains its inertia to spin around at a stable height.
@ABN
on
Maglev Train
20m logged
Printed the train, but it won’t float!
I’ve made a severe and continuous lapse in my judgement.
The train’s magnet holes are spaced the same as the track… which means each magnet of the train can rest in the spaces between the magnets on the track.
So if I launch it (using the handy popsicle stick launcher pictured on the right), it will seem to float while in motion, but then abruptly stop.
Back to the CADing board. ✌
@ABN
on
Maglev Train
17m 1s logged
Want to try a maglev demo?
My CAD for the train now has a working public simulation!
The link to the Onshape is here; try dragging the train around: https://cad.onshape.com/documents/ca7f9dd15de26119312515e9/w/9644ee87d97acfb09d4b386d/e/605830fbe88ced165cf9d9ec?renderMode=0&uiState=6a370fd0e043ec08ef4c39ab
Let me know what you think! It’s time to get printing…
@ABN
on
Maglev Train
29m 1s logged
I’m starting out with an Onshape CAD for my Maglev Train. I don’t really have a fully fledged idea here, so I might need to put some pen to paper in my next devlog!
I’m a beginner at computer aided design, and just got started with my school’s robotics club, so this might be a bit difficult for me.
There is a large community of people who are willing to help, though I am not affiliated with any design related servers as part of their administration or promotional teams. I just think they’re useful resources for anyone interested.
I hope to totally rework the CAD and get everything functional and ready to go soon enough.
Catch you later!
