If you want to print this model yourself, your printer need a minimum build volume of 168x168x173mm

In-depth guide for printing and assembling this model: “How to Print & Assemble The JET-M1”.

Overall dimensions:

• Length: 321mm
• Height: 175mm
• Width (or Fan Case Diameter): 156mm
  

Weight: Approx. 1kg
Manufacturing lead time: 1-2 weeks
Total number of components: 9 (see break down below)
Total number of 3D printed parts: 7
Total number of bought-in parts (exclude magnets): 2

This model was designed using publicly available material from the internet including CAD models, videos and pictures of the real jet engines from various aerospace companies.

In 2018, to support my STEM activities and help explain to young students how a jet engine works, I decided to give myself a project: ‘Design and make a 3D printed jet engine model‘. The project took me over 6 months to complete as I did it entirely in my spare time after work.

As the final model was really big and complex, there was a need for a smaller and simpler model that could be transported with ease and given away at STEM events as a prize. I wanted to shrink my original jet engine model to half of its original size. However, with 3D printing, especially if you print with a FDM/FFF printer, you can’t just simply scale down any design significantly and still expect a perfect print. This is because some features may become too small to print. To overcome this issue, I had to redesign most of the casing to ensure that even the smallest feature can be printed beautifully. In addition, to keep the model as simple as possible but still looks gorgeous, I removed almost all internal components except the fan in the front and the fan shaft. After hours and hours modifying the design, I shrunk the new model down to 50% and hit ‘print’. The model came out absolutely beautifully!

Although it’s much smaller than the original model, I managed to retain every detail on the casing, meaning that you can still look at the outer casing and distinguish between each module of the engine. The model doesn’t have any internal components but it has a beautiful fan, which can be rotated either by hand or driven by a small motor hidden inside the exhaust nozzle.

The 3D printed Jet Engine model JET-M1 is an excellent STEM model because:

• It helps capture attention of young students instantly and engage with them more effectively
• It helps the students better understand quickly how a Jet Engine works in simple terms. Students can explore a physical model and interact with it rather than looking at pictures or a CAD model of an engine via a device app
• The model is made by 3D printing, hence, it helps spark interesting conversations with the students about how technologies such as additive manufacturing are revolutionising the engineering industry today. Students can learn the skills that would benefit their careers in STEM in the near future
• Finally, with its small size, excellent quality and finish, this model can also be used as an award, trophy, gift, or simply a super cool item in your personal aerospace collection!