Videos: Scale-model Toyota Engine & Tranny Made With 3D Printer

The future of manufacturing is in 3D printing, and these videos showcasing the talents of a California engineer named Eric Harrell are signs of the pending revolution.

It won’t be long before you go into your NAPA parts store looking for a crank gear or oil pump pickup. Instead of grabbing the necessary items from a shelf, the clerk will simply type in a few commands to a 3D printer and few minutes later the part will pop out. And if you need the gear a little thinner or a stronger version with different materials; or perhaps you want the pickup a little longer to fit a deep-sump pan, pay a couple dollars more for a custom setting. If all the right information is input, then there should be no machining or welding on your part when you get back to the shop.

3D printing with metals is still in its infant stages but home-based plastic printing is producing some incredible results. Reports say it took Harrell 60 hours to design this Toyota 22RE engine and another 72 hours to print out the 80 parts. Everything is scaled down 35 percent but it’s a fully working model. The W56 transmission that bolts right up to the motor required 48 hours of print time.

Some of the parts like the rubber-band fan belt were sourced elsewhere. He couldn’t find springs suitable to control the valves, so he made his own .023 MIG wire.

If you’ve got access to a 3D printer and want to try your luck at this engine, Harrell has made the files for each part available on thiniverse.com. Otherwise, enjoy these videos.

About the author

Mike Magda

Mike Magda is a veteran automotive writer with credits in publications such as Racecar Engineering, Hot Rod, Engine Technology International, Motor Trend, Automobile, Automotive Testing Technology and Professional Motorsport World.
Read My Articles

Classis Street Rods in your Inbox.
Daily, Weekly... Your Choice.

Build your own custom newsletter with the content you love from Speednik.com, directly to your inbox, absolutely FREE!

Free WordPress Themes
Speednik NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Speednik.com

We'll send you the most interesting Speednik articles, news, car features, and videos every week.

Speednik.com

Speednik NEWSLETTER - SIGN UP FREE!

We will safeguard your e-mail and only send content you request.

Speednik.com

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...


Street Muscle Magazine
Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
Diesel Army
Diesel Army
Engine Labs
Engine Tech

Speednik.com

Thank you for your subscription.

Subscribe to more FREE Online Magazines!

We think you might like...

  • Streetmuscle Hot Rods & Muscle Cars
  • Diesel Army Diesel Army
  • Engine Labs Engine Tech

Speednik.com

Speednik

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Speednik.com

Thank you for your subscription.

Thank you for your subscription.

Loading