Micro Balance Type Pure Copper Steam Engine Model Kit (Boiler Not Included)
A Mechanical Gem in the Palm of Your Hand
Great things come in small packages, and the "Balance Type" Mini Steam Engine is proof. This isn't just a model; it is a piece of kinetic jewelry. Measuring less than 5cm in length, this all-copper masterpiece captures the golden era of steam power in a form factor small enough to sit on your thumb. Whether you are a machinist looking for a quick weekend project or a collector seeking a glittering addition to your display cabinet, this micro-engine offers a mesmerizing blend of precision engineering and aesthetic beauty.
Why Choose This Micro Engine?
This model is designed for those who appreciate the art of miniaturization.
- Jewelry-Grade Aesthetic: Crafted entirely from pure brass and copper, the surface is polished to a mirror finish. It glitters under the light, making it as much a decorative object as it is a machine.
- Ultra-Compact Design: With dimensions of just 4.7 x 2.9 x 4.6cm, it is one of the smallest functional steam engines available. It requires minimal space, making it the perfect "fidget" mechanical toy for your office desk.
- The DIY Freedom: Sold without a boiler, this engine is a blank canvas for your creativity. Connect it to a mini test-tube boiler, a compressed air line, or build your own custom steam plant. It invites you to be the engineer.
- Smooth "Balance" Operation: Despite its diminutive size, the 29mm flywheel provides enough inertia to keep the engine running smoothly, demonstrating the physics of reciprocating motion in a rhythmic, satisfying loop.
Technical Highlights: The Expert’s View
- Precision Micro-Machining: Achieving a working seal on a cylinder this small requires tight tolerances. The 4mm cylinder diameter and 2mm shaft are machined to ensure low friction and high air-tightness.
- Thermal Conductivity: The all-copper construction ensures rapid and even heat distribution, preventing the "cold spots" that can plague larger engines, allowing for easier starts even with low-pressure steam sources.
- Standardized Micro-Shaft: The 2mm output shaft allows for the attachment of miniature pulleys or gears, should you wish to drive a micro-load (like a tiny LED generator).
Specifications
- Type: Micro Balance Reciprocating Steam Engine
- Material: Pure Brass / Copper
- Dimensions: 47mm (L) x 29mm (W) x 46mm (H)
- Weight: 66g
- Flywheel Diameter: 29mm
- Shaft Diameter: 2mm
- Cylinder Diameter: 4mm
- Boiler Status: Not Included (Requires external steam/air source)
Usage Scenario: The Desktop Distraction
You have a small compressed air line or a miniature boiler set up on your desk. You connect the tiny silicone tube to the intake of this copper engine. You open the valve. The 29mm flywheel blurs into a golden circle, and the tiny piston pumps furiously. It’s a hypnotic, quiet whir that draws your eyes away from the screen, offering a moment of pure analog joy in a digital world.
Important Tips
- Boiler Required: This product is the engine unit only. You must provide a steam boiler or a compressed air source to operate it.
- Delicate Handling: This is a precision instrument, not a rugged toy. Handle with care, as dropping it can bend the 2mm shaft.
- Lubrication: Micro-engines are sensitive to friction. Apply a tiny drop of light machine oil (sewing machine oil) to the crankshaft and piston before every run to ensure high RPMs.
Customer Support
Need advice on what kind of tubing or boiler works best with this micro engine? We are here to help you complete your setup. Contact us at service@helloworld7.com