My girlfriend challenged me to make a hand soap dispenser that is cooler than anything we could buy at Crate & Barrel (or similar stores). The result, after a number of design iterations, is this bottle which now inhabits our bathroom.

This dispenser is designed to reduce waste in a number of ways. First, it is easily refillable, and so can be used for many years. Second, as the pump is turned, liquid soap spills from the spout back into a hole in the bottle, thus recycling any drips. Third, this design makes it easy to get as much or as little soap as you want, while commercial soap pumps often dispense more soap than necessary with a single squeeze.

in progress...

Paste extruder based on the Moineau pump principle.

The pump geometry is based on thingiverse.com/thing:7958

Should work as a plug-in replacement for a hot plastic extruder in a 3D printer. However, I have NOT used this to actually print anything. I'm just publishing it in case someone else wants to try it out. (I think it's ready for printing a very small pizza without toppings, but beyond that I cannot say.)

Almost everything is parametrized and adjustable from the SCAD file. However, the resulting design should be evaluated to see if it is still sane after adjustment, since not all of the features are automatically calculated. Particularly the flange and driveshaft diameters must be adjusted by hand to match the other measurements.

See it in action: youtu.be/OHQiKuQvuEU

Note: obviously it is impossible to build an object from material that flows on it's own - the object would not hold it's shape. So in practice the material has to either be pulled into the extruder by a negative pressure (impossible with PLA printed pump parts) or pushed into the extruder by a positive pressure. In either case the motor axle has to be sealed, or it would either relieve the negative pressure or allow the material to flow up and out from the inlet block.

Development of Moineau pump: thingiverse.com/thing:7958

This is still under development, but the final goal is to develop this into a paste dispenser operated by a stepper motor and used in a 3D printer to form things from any paste-like material. For now, this operates with just a hand crank. Compared to the original, the rotation is reversed and the idea is to feed it from the top and have it push the pumped material out from the nozzle at the bottom.

Printed and tested (by hand) a very rough, smaller prototype. Some pumping action was seen with water-flour mixture, so it works on a basic level.

Printed and tested a spider coupling for driving the pump. Seems promising, the orbit of the rotor didn't seem to be any kind of a problem.

Turn your Dremel into a blower or vacuum. It works really well!

.75" ID output port, 2.15" inlet. Inlet bolt circle is 2.438" in diameter, and is for 6 4-40 bolts.

Printed on a Fablicator!
fablicator.com

EDIT: The Impeller I believe is backwards. It still works very well, though. I'm going to re-print a mirrored version to see if it makes any difference.

EDIT2: The impeller works about the same despite being right or left handed. go figure.

Well, one printed part anyway. You still need to put in some tubing. After having some trouble with the first peristaltic pump I tried, I did some Google-ing and came across this:
microfluidics.stanford.edu/Publications/Micropumps_Cooling/Shkolnikov-selfpriming-rollerfree-minature-peristaltic-pump.pdf

It is basically a diaphragm pump with the check valves and diaphragm integrated into a single piece of plastic. The best performing version so far can be viewed here:

youtu.be/fRKeDQPz7xw

With some more tweaking I'm sure it can be made better. The nice thing about it is that it requires very little plastic, and is very compact. In the paper they drive it with an eccentric cam. Naturally I want to make some computer-controlled colored-water tubing thing with a bunch of these now. Also, real 3d-printed squirt guns.

Update: There is currently a problem with this pump that doesn't arise until a few days after assembly. Presumably due to creep, the downstream valve slowly loses its ability to seal completely, resulting in greater backflow and then failure. I will experiment but I may not be able to solve this problem without adding pieces (thinking of a set screw plunger sort of deal).

Version History:

V2 (11/1/2011): Improved stroke volume and reduced backflow.

I'm inordinately proud of this one because I designed it in Sketchup myself, so there's no one to blame but me. I'm trying to get to a printable desktop fountain that you can run on your desk without worry of spillage. Right now, I've printed 2 prototypes that work but are still sub-optimal.

My good friend who is diabetic wanted me to make her a glow in the dark clip for her insulin pump. I printed this with 3 extra shells. It seems to hold the pump quite nicely. I also loaded the .dxf file so you can modify it if you so choose.

Also check out my blog at.
printingdreams.blogspot.com/

Or was that a perimetric parastaltic pump ?

This is a peristaltic pump built in openscad.
There have been a number of peristaltic pumps recently and I thought a parametric one would be cool.

thingiverse.com/thing:8652
thingiverse.com/thing:8914

The motor mounting still needs some work but its a start

This is a peristaltic pump we created during Futurelabcamp Boston. It uses a NEMA 14 stepper motor to drive the rotational pump. The stepper motor driver is based on the standard design of L297/L298. We use an arduino to step it. It has it's own website on peristalsis.tentacleriot.eu

This is my design of a peristaltic pump or hose pump if you translate it directly from german.

I built this pump for reseach to gather basic hands-on knowledge of the inner workings.

If you have a MakerBot/3D Printer you can start right away. I built it in a few hours with common parts i had at hand.

Unfortunately you definitly NEED a very flexible silicone tubing, to get it really working. I did my first try with a short piece of tube i cut from our fish tank - this was definitely to hard for the ABS. unfortunately i was to eager to pump some water, so i did, but the contraption got too hot and broke.

The Pictures are from the rebuilt, but this time i'm waiting to get the silicone tube.

Currently there are no mounting holes for a motor. i used my electric screwdriver for testing. Gearmotor is planned, but i had to determine the required torque with this build.

By request of Syvwlch ( thingiverse.com/syvwlch ) and WilliamAAdams ( thingiverse.com/WilliamAAdams ), here is a stand-alone public-domain OpenSCAD cycloidal speed reducer. As with the Wankel Engine and Roots Blower I recently posted, this is intended more as an example of an interesting mechanism than as a practical device. If you want a practical printable speed reducer, you might consider one of the other alternatives like

the worm drives on this Tank thingiverse.com/thing:8080 or
differential planetary gears thingiverse.com/thing:7390 or
cascaded spur gears thingiverse.com/thing:7379 or
this planetary gear reducer thingiverse.com/thing:8460

There are several cycloidal-type mechanisms already on Thingiverse, such as
thingiverse.com/thing:3617 and thingiverse.com/thing:3736

There are also several interesting external sites like:
zincland.com/hypocycloid/
fabricationsofthemind.com/2010/07/09/extruder-design-1-printable-1001-hypocycloidal-gearbox/
github.com/triffid/Differential_Hypocycloid
reprap.org/wiki/Differential_Hypocycloid
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerotor
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gear_pump

and many many interesting youtube videos such as
youtube.com/watch?v=bRn1K2XeWVE
youtube.com/watch?v=3WvPF6uGCq4
youtube.com/watch?v=CG2sPuqEXBg
youtube.com/watch?v=AMtyFwMDL7w
youtube.com/watch?v=h236SP86nnQ

This present script is based on a design by M.F. Hill described in his 1928 patent "Internal Rotor", number 1,682,563:

google.com/patents/about?id=mdF5AAAAEBAJ&dq=1682563

Note that this design is based on an offset hypocycloid, similar to Figure I in Hill's patent. Most of the contemporary designs appear to be based on an offset epicycloid, more closely resembling Figure V in the patent.

The motivated student can modify the code so it generates epicycloidal-based profiles. Hint: start by making a module ``epitrochoidBandFast(n, r, thickness, r_off)". The motivated student could also probably clean up my train-wreck of code and/or figure out how to do arrays in OpenSCAD.

Note also that these rotors can be used for pumps - see the gifs in the comments for an example.

A Roots Blower is an air pump with strangely shaped rotors. They are used in automotive superchargers and high-vacuum pumps, among other places.

See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roots_type_supercharger

This is a stand-alone Public Domain OpenSCAD file you can use to generate these mechanisms. This is intended more as an example of an interesting mechanism than as a useful pump.

The file uses code appropriated from
Leemon Baird's PublicDomainGearV1.1.scad
which can be found here:
thingiverse.com/thing:5505

A Moineau pump is a type of positive displacement pump with steady flow (no pulsing). This type of pump is common in the food processing industry because it can efficiently pump slurries (like soup) without crushing the contents. This one pumps 32 cc/revolution (neglecting whatever leaks back through the seals) and is capable of pumping water (milk is shown for contrast).

I thought this might be useful as a paste extruder or something of that nature. It's better than a peristaltic pump because no flexible hose is needed (which tend to reduce efficiency and wear out), plus it doesn't pulse.

A Moineau pump is a type of positive displacement pump with steady flow (no pulsing). This type of pump is common in the food processing industry because it can efficiently pump slurries (like soup) without crushing the contents. This one pumps 32 cc/revolution (neglecting whatever leaks back through the seals) and is capable of pumping water (milk is shown for contrast).

I thought this might be useful as a paste extruder or something of that nature. It's better than a peristaltic pump because no flexible hose is needed (which tend to reduce efficiency and wear out), plus it doesn't pulse.

Check out the description here: appropedia.org/Printable_Breast_Pump. Sorry, these are SolidEdge Academic Files, so they will not be able to open on commercial software. Also, don't use these to make money, or else the people at SolidEdge may get angry.

I have uploaded .stl files as well. Happy printing! I am trying to find a better thread design, as this was adapted using measurments taken from a bottle. If anybody has seen a public domain model that is actually made by a company that produces these things, let me know!

This is a screw driven peristaltic Paste Extruder. It is still experimental, so before you decide to build it please check the following videos to see it in action:

- extruding polymer blend (hair gel):
youtube.com/watch?v=1XWYLSRCcq8

- extruding viscous chocolate glazing:
youtube.com/watch?v=qIFkw5RNXqQ

- extruding polymer blend at 16mm/sec, 0.5 mm nozzle, 250 micron layer:
youtube.com/watch?v=axAP0btw4Lk

Some pictures of the printing head: picasaweb.google.com/ioan.festeu/ReprapPasteExtruder?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCJnau7ew38qs7AE&feat=directlink
You will find a 3D pdf file attached so you can easily inspect the pump.

Also I have attached a dxf file for the laser cutted acrylic mounting plate for Rapman 3D printers. Sorry... for Makerbots and Mendels you will have to find your solution :)

CAD drawing picture shows in yellow the printable parts. The rest of parts are stock M6 threaded rods, nuts and washers and two inexpensive 606 bearings. The stepper motor is a NEMA17.

For the tubing and pumping elements I used two sets of cheap perfusion kits. The pumping elements (shown in creamy colour) are elastic latex tubes you will find in the kit. Idealy you may use standard peristaltic pump tubes.

The reason I am using two elastic tubes (dual chanel) is because peristaltic pumps suffer from the so called "pulsing". That is, when the screw leaves the tubing the corresponding void (where the tube was pinched) will suck back a little bit the pumped fluid at the outlet hence pulsing. But using two chanels arranged in anti-phase pulsing is reduced to almost zero.

Total parts cost (except the stepper motor) is less than 10 Euros.

I will come back later with a complete parts list and instructions.

NOTICE: I didn't uploaded yet the "pressing pads" (two small parts that press the elastic tube over the screw shaft) because I need to make some minor changes, but don't worry I will post them asap. UPDATED

P.S. If somebody needs the early CAD files let me know. I will gladly send it to you so you can adapt to your machine. I am working in Alibre Design PE and I can't save in other common formats so you must find a way to make the conversion.

P.S. 2 I have uploaded the file "pressing pad". You may want to put some rubbery material between the pad and elastic tube to be sure the screw shaft will completely close the pumping tube but not strangulate it. Otherwise the pump will loose the pressure.

Also I have updated the 3D pdf file.

I have attached a picture of the "perfusion set". Don't know the exact terminology in English, sorry. Some sets also have a Luerlock part connecting the needle and the latex tube. My Luerlock file supports that part. Obviously you can use any kind of support that fits you better.

UPDATE 1: watch my third video (I have listed above).
I will upload asap a new screw rotor design. I am not very happy with the current one since it seems it have some bugs: it creates some extra pressure when the rotor leaves the tube hence altering the low pulsation feature.

UPDATE 2: I have uploaded a new screw rotor design (Screw Rotor New.stl). Screw pitch was decreased from 12mm to 10mm so motor rpm will increase just a little bit. It should perform better than the previous one. Will come back with my own results.

UPDATE 3: Uploaded the file Screw_Rotor_New_Support.stl. Unfortunately this file must be printed with support (soluble PVA, PLA?). However this rotor leaves a smaller footprint on the elastic tubes hence less dead volume (less suck back). Still working for the perfect match to bring pulsation close to zero.

UPDATE 4: Check my photo album: picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oN2Z_e3g6u7eHZYbbXj2nQ?feat=directlink
It is printed using the part "Screw Rotor New.stl". Pulsation is so small I think is a good print. Just a little bit of adjustment is needed. The trick is to find the perfect match when the helicoid is fading (leaving the contact with the elastic tube)such as the dead volume arising is compensated by the incoming volume of the same chanel. Meantime the other chanel is pumping normaly. And so on. For the perfectionists I promise I will fix this to make it even better. Meantime I am preparing new .stl files for the final version. I need to clean up the bugs in some of the parts (there are plenty) and may be to make the pump smaller and with less nuts and bolts.

UPDATE 6
About the cheap latex tubes: very short lifetime, losing elasticity. So, go proffesional peristaltic tubing. The pressure will be perhaps around 0,7 bar with those tubing. Now I am waiting for the tubes to be delivered (2-3 weeks). Meantime I will try to cast my own tubing from RTV silicone. Keep you updated.

Designing a scroll pump, mostly through trial and error. This is an early iteration, it's not quite printable yet (features are too small). I will iterate a couple more times and hopefully get something that begins to work.

Inspired by the comments.

Laser or Mill it out of 7mm Polywood or else use
4xM8 screws to bold the Bearings in and
4xM4 screws to bold the Case

Use this simple pump to move fluid around in small quantities. It may require more torque than you expect.

This is a derivative of Madox's Mini Centrifugal Pump, thingiverse.com/thing:4839

I simplified the design and adapted it to be printable on a makerbot without support material.

I also modified it so that the motor from an old CD-Rom drive can run the pump. These motors are all about the same size, and anyone who likes to take things apart more then likely has a few laying around.

In the photos I am powering a 6 volt motor with a 3.5 volt battery. I imagine more power would equal more water moved.

Super miniature pump, derived off my own 'Mini Pump' - thingiverse.com/thing:4839

Please see :- madox.net/blog/2010/11/22/super-miniature-3d-printed-pump-using-up-pp3dp-printer/ for photos and demonstration/test video...

3D Printed Miniature Centrifugal Pump Prototype

Prototype only - uploaded on request. Improved version coming soon.

Youtube Video of it in action : youtube.com/watch?v=H102VH8a8bM

madox.net/blog/2010/11/16/miniature-3d-printed-pump-using-up-pp3dp-printer/

Super Miniature version of it here : thingiverse.com/thing:4857

Please note, I have NOT built one of these yet and you will need a HEATED BUILD PLATFORM to print this object.

Here is a pump that can be used for liquid or air. A piece of 3/8" diameter surgical tubing is looped through the 2 holes on the left side of the pump base around a 4 point rotor that compresses the tubing pushing the liquid or air ahead. This technique isolates the material being pumped from the mechanism itself. The rotor design could be improved greatly by placing wheels at the end of each point pushing against the tubing.

UPDATE on 05/31/10: The STL files below look like they need something 'added' in order for SkeinForge to generate the GCODE. I have spent days trying to figure out why and how to fix it. I thought an STL file was mostly a list of ASCII lines and did not realize centering and size info are not being saved to the files.

This is a Peristaltic Pump designed in Sketchup. I have tried to design it with an eye towards printing on a MakerBot, but do not own one so I cannot test at this time.

It should accept 3/4 inch hose with a 1/8 inch wall thickness.

This is the final episode of a three-part mini-series on making things with low-melting-temperature-alloy. The collection of things here form a hot material transfer system that can be used to extrude (sort of) molten metal or wax. This is inspired by earlier work done by Dr. Sells and Prof. Bowyer reprap.org/bin/view/Main/AutomaticDepositionOfMoltenAlloyInt oACastingChannelToCreateAVerySimple Electro-mechanicalComponent .

As usual, remember that low-melt alloys are toxic and hot enough to cause burns and fires, so only use this material if you are experienced in a lab environment. On the plus side, this system can also be used to make things out of wax, which is much safer to use, although you still have to watch out for burns and fires! Possible uses for a wax-handling system include: 1) automated wax casting; 2) use of wax as a support material.

If you omit the heaters, you can probably use the nozzle and syringe pump to deposit slurries or liquids.

The idea of operation is that a standard RepRap prints a layer of plastic (HDPE, ABS, etc). Then the toolheads are switched, and the metal/wax toolhead deposits molten material in the channels or cavities formed by the plastic. If necessary, the process can be repeated for constructing thicker and more complex parts.

We have had good success using the nozzle as a hand-held tool for transferring metal. For example, we used it to make this thing: thingiverse.com/thing:802 .

We have had somewhat less success using it when mounted to a RepRap, as seen in the pictures. The main problem is poor control of flow-rate (see photo of pattern on hot plate). With some modification (such as a smaller nozzle hole diameter) and tuning of parameters (feed rate, height of nozzle above plate, etc) it might work much better. We RepRapped a simple test piece, manually filled it with metal while it was still on the hotplate, then let it cool (see photo of widget with 25-cent piece). This yielded fairly good results, indicating that an automated system may be able to produce usable parts.

The main components of the system are

1) Heated cup - this is a heated reservoir that contains the molten work material.

2) Heated copper nozzle - the nozzle slurps up material from the cup, then moves to a desired location and deposits the material.

3) Syringe pump - a motor-driven syringe controls air flow in and out of the nozzle, which in turn causes the nozzle to slurp or deposit material.

4) Heated plate - this keeps the work hot to improve the flow of the heated material. It also melts the base of the deposited part, creating a good seal between part and plate, so that molten material does not leak under the part. In general, the heated plate seems to help avoid warping, but the downside is that the bottom of the part starts to ooze outwards after a while.

Make to use stepper motor from Sparkfun and skate board bearings.

I have not made and tested this yet, I need someone with a machine to make it. Any volenteers?

Update: I have updated the turret_pump to make it makerbot friendly