You can 3D print this amazingly complex turbofan jet engine model

All airplane engines have the same basic goal, which is to create forward thrust. But the modern airline industry is an exercise in maximizing efficiency and the most efficient option for large aircraft tends to be a turbofan jet engine. Most of us never get to see those up close, but you can 3D print this wildly complex and partially functional turbofan jet engine model to see how they work.

This isn’t an exact scale replica of any specific engine, but it was heavily inspired by the CFM56-5 series of engines used in Airbus A320 jets. Referencing that actual engine design, CADLY’s Adrian Barsotti modeled this engine to be a good compromise between accuracy and 3D printing practicality. There are even two variations: a complete engine and just the turbofan assembly on a stand.

The complete engine has panels you can open up to see the inner workings, while the turbofan assembly gives you an unobstructed view of the good stuff all the time.

Both models are entirely 3D-printable, with the exception of some hardware, fasteners, and electronic components. Those electronic components bring the engine to life, so you can spin up the fans and actuate the reverse thrust flaps.

Those work thanks to an Arduino Nano board, which controls the main DC motor through an L298N dual H-bridge driver and opens the flaps with servo motors. Power comes in at 5V and there is a DC-to-DC converter for the 12V components. Wago connectors make the wiring easy and tidy.

If you want to print this model yourself, you can find all of the files over on Printables.