How to Build an Electric Turbofan Engine Kit from Scratch: Hard but Fun

What Is an Electric Turbofan Engine Kit?

The Electric Turbofan engine model kit is a small model that works like a real jet engine. So you can build it at home and see how it works. Also, it is powered by electricity. So it is safe and does not get hot like a real engine.

What Is an Electric Turbofan Engine Kit?

• Rotor: First of all, this part rotates inside the engine.

• Fan Blades: Next, fan blades are attached to the rotor. And then move the air as the rotor rotates.

• Stator: Then, this helps the rotor rotate smoothly and guides the air.

• Motor: After that, this provides power. So the rotor and fan blades can rotate.

• Housing: At last, this is the outer structure that holds all the parts together.

The difference between a kit and a real engine

First of all, a real engine is very large and has the power to fly a plane. On the other hand, akit is small and safe for use at home. Next, a real engine uses fuel. On the other hand, a kit is powered by electricity. Also, a kit cannot fly a plane. But it can show how an engine works.

Moreover, hobbyists love these kits because they are fun and educational. Also, you can learn how an engine works by putting together the parts. So it's a lot of fun when your built engine starts spinning. Hence, this kit is a safe and fun way to learn about jet engines. 

Also, it helps you understand the machines, and you get hands-on experience building something.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

As you learn about what the model Turbofan Engine Kit is? And the Difference between a kit and a real engine. Now you will learn about the tools and materials you will need for building an Electric Turbofan Engine.

• First of all, you keep a screwdriver to make it easier to open or close small screws. 

• Next, you keep a pair of pliers to help hold or bend small parts.

• Then a small wrench is useful for tightening nuts and bolts. So if a part needs to be joined. Then a little glue can also be used to keep the parts firmly connected. 

• At last, in some models, a soldering kit is also helpful to connect small metal parts neatly.

Moreover, your kit will contain many small parts. For example, screws, nuts, bearings, fan blades, and other metal parts. So you keep them all organized. So you don't lose any parts.

Therefore, you don't forget to take safety equipment. Also, you always wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and goggles to protect your eyes from dust or flying particles. Hence, your safety should always come first whenever you're working on small mechanical parts.

Preparing Your Workspace

As you learn about the tools and materials you will need for building an Electric Turbofan Engine. Now you will learn about preparing your workspace before building an electric turbofan engine. 

So when you start building an electric turbofan engine kit. Then the first thing you need to do is set up your workspace. Moreover, a nice, clean space makes your work easier and safer. So you always work on a clean flat surface. For example, a table. So this will prevent parts from falling out and making your work easier.

This image and all following images are sourced from the video Building a Turbofan Engine Model Kit - Kota Scale Model.

Next, you organize your parts and tools. Then you keep all your parts and tools in one place. And also, you use small boxes or trays to keep screws, bolts, and other small parts from getting lost. Also, you keep everything separate. So you can find the right part right away when you need it.

Therefore, you keep your hands clean while you work and your workspace clean. Also, when you are finished. Then you put all your tools and parts back in their place. Hence, a clean and organized workspace makes building faster and safer.

Step-by-Step Assembly Process

As you learn about how to prepare your workspace before building an electric turbofan engine. Now you will learn the step-by-step process of building a turbofan engine.

Step 1) Unpacking and Organizing the Parts

First of all, you carefully unpack your turbofan engine kit. Then, lay all the parts out on a clean flat table. So you will find parts such as the fan blades, compressor disc, turbine disc, shaft, bearings, casing, and engine stand. Also, you check every part to make sure nothing is missing. Then you lightly wipe these parts to remove any dirt or oil. 

Step 2) Making the Shaft System

Next, you take the main shaft and install bearings on both sides. So these help the shaft rotate easily. Then you rotate the shaft with your fingers to see if it moves smoothly. So this shaft connects the fan, compressor, and turbine parts. Also, it must move smoothly. Hence, it will adjust the bearings slightly.

Step 3)  Attach the Fan Blades

Then you attach the fan blades to the front of the shaft. Now you use the small screws that come with the kit and tighten them slowly. Also, you make sure that all the blades are facing the same direction and at equal distances. 

So this balance prevents the fan from shaking or wobbling. Moreover, when all the blades are attached. Then you check that they are spinning smoothly by gently turning them with your finger.

Step 4) Attach the Compressor Section

After that, you attach the compressor disk to the back of the fan. Then you carefully insert every blade into its designated slot. So you do not overtighten the screws, as this may damage the blades. 

Also, the compressor is a part of the engine that pushes the air forward. In a jet engine model, you can clearly see how the airflow moves through the compressor and fan, which helps you assemble your turbofan kit more accurately. So it makes your model more realistic. 

For a deeper understanding of how turbofan engines work and other DIY assembly tips, see our guide on Turbofan Engine: Working Principles, DIY Builds, and Common Uses.

Hence, you make sure that all the disks are aligned.

Step 5) Attaching the Turbine Section

Now you attach the turbine disc and blades to the back of the shaft. Then you fit each part firmly in place. Moreover, when all the turbine stages are in place. Then you rotate the shaft again. So if the fan, compressor, and turbine all rotate smoothly. 

Then everything is fine. On the other hand, if there is friction or noise. Then you loosen the screws a little and straighten them.

Step 6) Attaching the Engine Casing

Afterward, you cover all the parts with the transparent engine casing. So this cover protects the parts. And also shows you the internal structure. Also, you fit the casing slowly and straight. Then you tighten the screws with pressure. But you do not overtighten, as the cover may break. So this shell keeps the parts straight while rotating.

Step 7) Attach the Rear Nozzle

Furthermore, you attach the nozzle to the rear of the engine. So this will make your model look like a real jet engine. Then you place the nozzle in the correct position in the middle and tighten it well. Hence, this completes the exterior design of the engine.

Step 8) Attach the engine to the stand

At last, you attach the finished engine to its metal stand. Also, you use the screws provided to make sure it fits snugly. Then you make sure the engine is standing straight and not wobbling. After that, you gently rotate the fan with your finger. 

So if the fan, compressor, and turbine all rotate smoothly together. Then your engine is built correctly. On the other hand, if there is any stiffness, make minor adjustments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

As you learn about how to build an electric turbofan engine. Now you will learn how to avoid common mistakes to avoid in building an electric turbofan engine.

• Incorrect alignment of rotor or fan blades: First of all, if the rotor or fan blades are not aligned correctly. Then, your engine may be unbalanced and will not spin properly. So you always make sure that all blades are spaced and in the same direction

• Loose screws or connectors: Next, you check if the screws or connectors are not tight. Then the parts may move out of place, and the engine may be damaged. So you tighten the screw and the connector tightly to ensure that all parts are secure.

• Short circuit in wires: Then, if the wires are not connected properly or touch each other. Then, the flow of electricity may be interrupted. So you always do the wiring carefully. And also, you check that no wires are loose or frayed.

• Not taking care of cleaning the parts: After that, dirt or dusty parts can affect the engine's performance. Also, you clean all parts before assembling. So the engine runs smoothly and properly.

• Not following the instructions: At last, every kit comes with instructions. So if you ignore them or assemble parts on your own. Then the engine will not run properly. Then, you read the instructions carefully and follow each step.

Tips for a Smooth Build

As you learn about how to avoid common mistakes to avoid in building an electric turbofan engine. Now you will learn some practical tips for a smooth building.

• Be patient: First of all, you don't rush. Then you take your time and do each step. If you rush, you may end up misplacing parts or missing small parts.

• Follow the instructions: Next, every kit comes with instructions. So you read them carefully and follow each step. Then following the instructions will help your engine run smoothly and smoothly.

• Use a tray for screws and bolts: Then small screws, bolts, and other parts can get lost. You keep your parts in a small tray or cup to keep everything organized and safe.

• Pre-arrange the parts: After that, you pre-arrange all your parts and tools. Then, you'll have everything you need right away. So as you go through each step, you make the build easier.

• Check the wiring and connectors frequently: At last, every time you connect wires or connectors. Then you double-check that everything is connected correctly. So this will help the engine run smoothly.

Conclusion

In short, building your own electric turbofan engine is an exciting and educational experience. So, you be patient and take every step carefully. Then you follow the instructions. After that, you check the small parts and wiring. 

Moreover, your engine will work smoothly. At Enginediy, we offer you the tubofan engine model kits and complete instructions. So you can pursue your hobby in a safe and fun way.