Have some loose change lying around? Why not save it for a rainy day by 3D printing this gear motor-driven Apple Coin Bank designed by maker Greg Zumwalt.
Saving money is a healthy financial habit that will keep your bank account growing, and even a few coins can go a long way. Many of us know that feeling of relief that comes about when we have some cash set aside, and developing these frugal habits will help us plan for the future.
Now, you can create a 3D printed Apple Bank to be your now coin-stashing companion. This model was designed by maker Greg Zumwalt, who was looking for a way to teach his grandchildren good money saving habits. The 3D printed coin bank is comprised of 20 different 3D printed parts, a single gear motor and two micro level switches. It operates back on the Hoeken mechanism,
The coin bank mechanics are based on the Hoeken mechanism. The design consists of 20 unique 3D printed parts and uses a single gear motor and two micro lever switches for operation. With large eyes and an appetite for currency, this Apple Coin Bank looks quite adorable and unintimidating. However, this project is difficult to print, and requires a lot of precision and careful planning (just like saving money does).
Let’s take a peek at what you need to build this 3D printed coin bank…
3D Printed Apple Coin Bank: What You Need & Putting it Together
As we mentioned, the Apple Coin Bank consists of 20 different 3D printed parts, all of which can be freely downloaded from Zumwalt’s Instructables post. Zumwalt warns that this project is no walk in the park, as the design include the threaded assembly, as well as small parts and confined spaces. But if you have your 3D printed well-tuned and some basic soldering skills, you should be able to create your own coin eating apple.
The designer suggests 3D printing all parts at .15mm layer height and 20% infill. Some parts require supports to print cleanly, so be sure to add those when necessary. Before you start assembling to Apple Coin Bank, Zumwalt also recommends that you test fit and trim, as well as file and sand all of the parts to ensure smooth movement for moving parts and a tight fit for the stationary surfaces.
Aside from the 3D printed parts, here’s what else you’ll need to assemble the Apple Coin Bank:
The build process begins with installing the motor into the 3D printed base and motor mount. After assembling the coin arm mechanism and completing the base, you’ll have to start soldering the wires together, which Zumwalt details on his Instructables post. After inserting the base into the 3D printed apple, the final step is to add the face to your print.
The step-by-step build process is lengthy and could be a bit arduous, so keep that in mind as you start constructing your own Apple Coin Bank. You can find the full assembly instructions and more on Instructables.
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