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YOU CAN 3D PRINT A MACHINE THAT WINDS COPPER COILS BY ITSELF

A 3D printed machine that winds copper coils by itself, laying the wire turn by turn, from small bobbins to a big tube.

by DesignCircle

FULL CAD BOM FIRMWARE DOCS

WorkshopOpen-hardware

Built withArduino3D printing

difficulty
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time
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license
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repo 0 stars

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Videos
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COMPAREE VERDICT

This is a working CNC coil winding machine that automates what would otherwise be hundreds of hand turns. One stepper spins the coil in an ER11 collet, the other moves a wire guide along a T8 lead screw so the wire lays evenly, and a small LCD menu with a joystick runs it. It handles coils up to 12 cm in diameter, and the length is only limited by how long you make the aluminium rail. The parts list is complete and the download includes 58 STL files plus his Arduino code, but there is no step-by-step assembly guide, so you work out the build from the photos and the video. Grbl has to be flashed and configured on the Uno yourself. If you have wound coils by hand and want to automate it, this is a solid design to start from.

GOOD TO KNOW

  • —58 STL files and Arduino code published on Printables under Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY).
  • —Full mechanical parts list in the description: ER11 collet chuck, T8 lead screw, NEMA 17 steppers, linear rail, bearings, aluminium profile.
  • —Electronics parts list given: Arduino Uno with Grbl shield, Arduino Nano, 16x2 I2C LCD, joystick, two Grbl-compatible stepper drivers.
  • —No step-by-step assembly guide — the files and parts list are there, but you work out the build sequence from the photos.
  • —No Grbl settings file in the download; Grbl is flashed and configured on the Uno by you.
  • —The creator tested 250 to 500 windings per minute; 1,000 per minute is a suggestion for upgraded motors, not a tested claim.

Parts to buy

12 items

From our check of the build. Exact quantities and part numbers are in the creator’s BOM.

  • Two NEMA 17 steppersFind
  • T8 lead screw and nutsFind
  • 12 mm linear rail and carriageFind
  • ER11 collet chuckFind
  • Arduino Uno with Grbl shieldFind
  • Arduino NanoFind
  • 16x2 I2C LCDFind
  • JoystickFind
  • Two Grbl stepper driversFind
  • 20x20 mm aluminium profileFind
  • BearingsFind
  • ScrewsFind

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Can I build this?

Print58 STL files for the frame, motor mounts, wire guide carriage and covers
Buytwo NEMA 17 steppers, T8 lead screw and nuts, 12 mm linear rail and carriage, ER11 collet chuck, Arduino Uno with Grbl shield, Arduino Nano, 16x2 I2C LCD, joystick, two Grbl stepper drivers, 20x20 mm aluminium profile, bearings, screws, 20V-to-5V step-down, DC socket
Tools3D printer, basic hand tools and a computer to flash the two Arduinos
Skillsintermediate: assembling a linear motion system, flashing two Arduinos and configuring Grbl, wiring stepper drivers
Timenot stated by the creator
Cost$$; the creator does not give a total cost
SafetyStepper motors spin at speed and the ER11 collet is a pinch point. Keep fingers clear when running. The electronics are low voltage. None beyond ordinary workshop care.

Build at your own risk. Projects involve tools, electronics and sometimes mains voltage — follow the creator’s safety notes.

Videos

DIY 3D Printed Coil Winding Machine4:47

May 2022 build and demo video by DesignCircle

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Gallery

Start here

Navigation into the creator’s own docs — we don’t rewrite the guide, we route you to the source.

  1. 1.Download the STL files and code from Printables (Read the parts list in the description and check the photos to see how parts fit together)
  2. 2.Order the mechanical parts first(T8 lead screw length and aluminium profile length determine your maximum coil length — decide that before ordering)
  3. 3.Print the 58 STL files(Start with the large frame parts so you can test-fit the aluminium profile and linear rail while smaller parts finish)
  4. 4.Flash Grbl to the Arduino Uno and the menu code to the Nano(The code files are in the Printables download, but you will need to set Grbl steps-per-mm for your lead screw pitch yourself)

Resources

Documentation, files and community threads for this build — we link straight to the original sources and never rehost the creator’s files.

KNOWN ISSUES

  • There is no step-by-step assembly guide; the build order comes from the photos and the video.
  • Grbl has to be flashed and configured on the Arduino Uno yourself; no ready Grbl settings file is included in the download.
  • The creator tested 250 to 500 turns per minute, but reaching 1,000 per minute requires a closed-loop stepper or servo that is not in the parts list — do not buy one expecting that speed out of the box.
  • The length limit depends on parts you choose (aluminium profile, lead screw, linear rail) — if you want to wind a 30 cm coil, check those lengths before ordering the standard sizes.

How big a coil can it wind?

The creator says up to 12 cm in diameter. The length depends on the aluminium profile, T8 lead screw and linear rail you use, so it can be as long as you build it.

How fast is it?

He tested 250 to 500 windings per minute without problems. He says a closed-loop stepper or a servo as the main spindle motor could take it up to 1,000 per minute, but that was not part of his tested build.

Is there a BOM with part numbers and suppliers?

The Printables description lists every part but not specific suppliers or model numbers — you source the T8 screw, linear rail, ER11 collet and steppers yourself.

Community builds

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Discussion1

FROM THE COMPAREE TEAM

The creator tested 250 to 500 turns a minute and says a closed-loop stepper could push it to 1,000 — but that is not in the build as published. What would you actually wind first: transformer coils, an inductor, or something bigger?

CompareeTEAM2d ago

Practical notes from our verification: the Printables page has 58 STL files, the Arduino code and a full parts list for the electronics and mechanics, published under CC BY. There is no written assembly guide, so the video and photos are your reference. The tested speed is 250 to 500 turns a minute; treat 1,000 as the creator's suggestion for a stronger spindle motor.

DesignCircle

DesignCircle designed this coil winder to automate a repetitive task that matters to electronics builders: winding tight, even coils for transformers, inductors and electromagnets. Published on Printables in November 2022 with a video demo six months earlier.

Star the project on GitHub

DISCLAIMER

  • Comparee is not the author of the projects featured here. All rights to each project belong to its creator — every page links to the original source, and we never host creators’ files.
  • Information is provided without warranty and may become outdated as projects evolve. Prices are indicative bands only — always check the creator’s parts list for current costs.
  • Building and operating any project is at your own responsibility. Protective equipment, safe workshop practice and compliance with local regulations are the builder’s responsibility.
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