{
 "version": "2026-10-20",
 "license": "Dimension sheets are written by Xem Studio from the cited sources and are free to use (CC BY 4.0, attribute 'Xem Studio'). Linked files belong to their publishers under the license shown; Xem Studio does not host them. 'license_verified: false' means the license shown is from memory or the publisher's page as last read and should be confirmed at the link before commercial use.",
 "slug": "can-engine-printed-kit",
 "name": "Can-engine printed kit: can caps, diaphragm clamps, displacer guides, crank stands, CD/platter hubs, syringe cradles",
 "kind": "standard",
 "category": "Stirling engines",
 "group": "Can & LTD engines",
 "year": null,
 "question": "How do I build a Stirling engine from a soda can with 3D printed parts?",
 "tags": [
  "stirling",
  "can engine",
  "kit",
  "diaphragm",
  "displacer",
  "crank",
  "flywheel",
  "3d print",
  "stirling",
  "long earth society",
  "found materials"
 ],
 "aliases": [
  "soda can stirling engine 3d print",
  "can stirling engine parts",
  "stirling engine kit stl",
  "diaphragm clamp ring stl",
  "cd flywheel hub",
  "displacer guide",
  "balloon stirling engine parts"
 ],
 "overall_mm": {
  "length": null,
  "width": null,
  "height": null
 },
 "official_cad": false,
 "xem_status": "free-files",
 "les": true,
 "free_files": 23,
 "url": "https://xemstudio.com/objects/can-engine-printed-kit/",
 "sheet_txt": "https://xemstudio.com/objects/can-engine-printed-kit/sheet.txt",
 "sheet": {
  "basis": "Parts sized to the can, syringe, CD, platter, bearing and tube entries in this library; PLA/PETG, 0.2 mm layers, 3 perimeters",
  "overall_mm": {
   "length": null,
   "width": null,
   "height": null
  },
  "notes": [
   "Layout (gamma, like the LES can engine): 12 oz can displacer cylinder on its side or upright over a tea light → printed can cap with a 3/32 in brass-tube guide and a 2.5 mm foam displacer rod → transfer port (Ø4.2, silicone tube) to a 10 mL syringe power piston in its cradle, or a Ø50 balloon diaphragm between two clamp rings → crank on a Ø3 skewer or Ø5 shaft in 623 bearings on the printed stands, 90° between displacer and power phase → CD flywheel on the Ø15 hub.",
   "Can cap: slides over the can body with 0.6 mm clearance, three M3 grub screws grip it; seal the joint with silicone. The guide takes 3/32 in (2.38 mm) brass tube for a 2 mm rod, or drill 3.2 for a skewer.",
   "Displacer: closed-cell foam (pool noodle, EVA) Ø62 × 30 for the 66 mm can, leaves 2 mm all round; stroke 20 mm; the can's height lets you run 110 mm of travel space. Hot end: tea light 15–20 mm under the can base.",
   "Diaphragm: Ø50 ring pair with a Ø25 centre disc and balloon rubber, 3 mm travel; or skip it and use the syringe. Flywheel: one CD on the Ø15 hub, balanced with a coin.",
   "Everything on this page is on the Long Earth Society shelf: parts list and engine proportions follow the LES can-engine build."
  ],
  "table": {
   "columns": [
    "part",
    "for",
    "fasteners",
    "print"
   ],
   "rows": [
    [
     "can-cap-66 / 58 / 53.3 / 76.2",
     "12 oz, sleek, slim, steel 300 cans",
     "3 × M3 grub",
     "PETG, 4 perimeters"
    ],
    [
     "diaphragm-ring-40/50/60 (×2)",
     "balloon / silicone diaphragm",
     "6 × M3 × 12 + nuts",
     "any"
    ],
    [
     "diaphragm-disc",
     "centre of the diaphragm",
     "M3 × 10 to con-rod",
     "any"
    ],
    [
     "crank-stand-40/60/80 (×2)",
     "623 bearings on a Ø3 shaft",
     "2 × M3 to base",
     "PETG"
    ],
    [
     "hub-cd-15-to-5/8, hub-platter-25-to-5/8",
     "CD or HDD platter flywheel",
     "M3 set screw",
     "any"
    ],
    [
     "syringe-cradle-10/20/60ml",
     "power piston",
     "4 × M3",
     "any"
    ],
    [
     "displacer templates",
     "foam cutting guide",
     "—",
     "optional"
    ]
   ]
  }
 },
 "sheet_text": "Can-engine printed kit: can caps, diaphragm clamps, displacer guides, crank stands, CD/platter hubs, syringe cradles — dimension sheet\nSource: Xem Studio, https://xemstudio.com/objects/can-engine-printed-kit/  (CC BY 4.0)\nBasis: Parts sized to the can, syringe, CD, platter, bearing and tube entries in this library; PLA/PETG, 0.2 mm layers, 3 perimeters\nCatalog version: 2026-10-20\n\nSizes: see table below\n- Layout (gamma, like the LES can engine): 12 oz can displacer cylinder on its side or upright over a tea light → printed can cap with a 3/32 in brass-tube guide and a 2.5 mm foam displacer rod → transfer port (Ø4.2, silicone tube) to a 10 mL syringe power piston in its cradle, or a Ø50 balloon diaphragm between two clamp rings → crank on a Ø3 skewer or Ø5 shaft in 623 bearings on the printed stands, 90° between displacer and power phase → CD flywheel on the Ø15 hub.\n- Can cap: slides over the can body with 0.6 mm clearance, three M3 grub screws grip it; seal the joint with silicone. The guide takes 3/32 in (2.38 mm) brass tube for a 2 mm rod, or drill 3.2 for a skewer.\n- Displacer: closed-cell foam (pool noodle, EVA) Ø62 × 30 for the 66 mm can, leaves 2 mm all round; stroke 20 mm; the can's height lets you run 110 mm of travel space. Hot end: tea light 15–20 mm under the can base.\n- Diaphragm: Ø50 ring pair with a Ø25 centre disc and balloon rubber, 3 mm travel; or skip it and use the syringe. Flywheel: one CD on the Ø15 hub, balanced with a coin.\n- Everything on this page is on the Long Earth Society shelf: parts list and engine proportions follow the LES can-engine build.\n\npart  for  fasteners  print\ncan-cap-66 / 58 / 53.3 / 76.2  12 oz, sleek, slim, steel 300 cans  3 × M3 grub  PETG, 4 perimeters\ndiaphragm-ring-40/50/60 (×2)  balloon / silicone diaphragm  6 × M3 × 12 + nuts  any\ndiaphragm-disc  centre of the diaphragm  M3 × 10 to con-rod  any\ncrank-stand-40/60/80 (×2)  623 bearings on a Ø3 shaft  2 × M3 to base  PETG\nhub-cd-15-to-5/8, hub-platter-25-to-5/8  CD or HDD platter flywheel  M3 set screw  any\nsyringe-cradle-10/20/60ml  power piston  4 × M3  any\ndisplacer templates  foam cutting guide  —  optional\n\nFiles elsewhere (not hosted by Xem Studio; license as stated by the publisher):\n- Wikipedia: Stirling engine — web — CC BY-SA 4.0 (text) — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_engine\n- Long Earth Society: Can engine build — video, web — LES site — https://longearthsociety.com/engineering/\n- Long Earth Society: Engine builds (videos and write-ups) — web, video — LES site — https://longearthsociety.com/engineering/\n\nFree files (CC BY 4.0, Xem Studio; STEP + STL, 23 parts): https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/index.json\nAPI: https://xemstudio.com/api/geometry?object=can-engine-printed-kit\n",
 "sources": [
  {
   "publisher": "Wikipedia",
   "title": "Stirling engine",
   "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_engine",
   "formats": [
    "web"
   ],
   "license": "CC BY-SA 4.0 (text)",
   "license_verified": true,
   "hosted": false
  },
  {
   "publisher": "Long Earth Society",
   "title": "Can engine build",
   "url": "https://longearthsociety.com/engineering/",
   "formats": [
    "video",
    "web"
   ],
   "license": "LES site",
   "license_verified": true,
   "hosted": false
  },
  {
   "publisher": "Long Earth Society",
   "title": "Engine builds (videos and write-ups)",
   "url": "https://longearthsociety.com/engineering/",
   "formats": [
    "web",
    "video"
   ],
   "license": "LES site",
   "license_verified": true,
   "hosted": false
  }
 ],
 "xem": {
  "status": "free-files",
  "sheet_free": true,
  "mesh_price_usd": null,
  "step_price_usd": null,
  "tolerance_mm": null
 },
 "related": [
  "beverage-cans",
  "steel-food-cans",
  "plastic-syringes",
  "balloons-and-diaphragms",
  "cd-dvd-and-drive-platters",
  "tea-light-candles",
  "brass-tube-ks",
  "ball-bearings-metric",
  "sticks-skewers-wire-bbs",
  "crank-conrod-flywheel-kit"
 ],
 "faq": [
  {
   "q": "What parts do I need for a soda can Stirling engine?",
   "a": "A 12 oz can, a tea light, foam for the displacer, a 10 mL syringe or a balloon, 3/32 in brass tube and 2 mm wire, a bamboo skewer or 5 mm shaft, two 623 bearings, a CD, M3 screws, and the printed cap, stands, hub and (optionally) diaphragm rings from this kit."
  },
  {
   "q": "What stroke and phase does a can Stirling use?",
   "a": "Displacer stroke about 20 mm in a 110 mm can; power piston stroke 10–15 mm on a 10 mL syringe; crank pins 90° apart with the displacer leading."
  },
  {
   "q": "Why does my can engine not run?",
   "a": "In order: leaks (silicone every joint), friction (bearings in the crank, syringe without its rubber tip), too little heat (flame 15–20 mm below the can), displacer rubbing (2 mm clearance), flywheel too light (add a second CD)."
  }
 ],
 "files_license": null,
 "offers": [
  {
   "file": "can-cap-66",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/can-cap-66.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/can-cap-66.stl",
   "note": "cap for a Ø66.0 can: 0.6 mm clearance, Ø2.5 displacer-rod guide (3/32 in brass tube), transfer port, 3 × M3 grub screws"
  },
  {
   "file": "can-cap-58",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/can-cap-58.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/can-cap-58.stl",
   "note": "cap for a Ø58.0 can: 0.6 mm clearance, Ø2.5 displacer-rod guide (3/32 in brass tube), transfer port, 3 × M3 grub screws"
  },
  {
   "file": "can-cap-53.3",
   "formats": [
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   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/can-cap-53.3.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/can-cap-53.3.stl",
   "note": "cap for a Ø53.3 can: 0.6 mm clearance, Ø2.5 displacer-rod guide (3/32 in brass tube), transfer port, 3 × M3 grub screws"
  },
  {
   "file": "can-cap-76.2",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/can-cap-76.2.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/can-cap-76.2.stl",
   "note": "cap for a Ø76.2 can: 0.6 mm clearance, Ø2.5 displacer-rod guide (3/32 in brass tube), transfer port, 3 × M3 grub screws"
  },
  {
   "file": "diaphragm-ring-40",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/diaphragm-ring-40.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/diaphragm-ring-40.stl",
   "note": "diaphragm clamp ring Ø40 bore, 6 × M3, 3 thick (print two)"
  },
  {
   "file": "diaphragm-disc-20",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/diaphragm-disc-20.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/diaphragm-disc-20.stl",
   "note": "diaphragm centre disc Ø20 × 2, Ø3.2 hole for the con-rod screw"
  },
  {
   "file": "diaphragm-ring-50",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
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   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/diaphragm-ring-50.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/diaphragm-ring-50.stl",
   "note": "diaphragm clamp ring Ø50 bore, 6 × M3, 3 thick (print two)"
  },
  {
   "file": "diaphragm-disc-25",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
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   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/diaphragm-disc-25.stl",
   "note": "diaphragm centre disc Ø25 × 2, Ø3.2 hole for the con-rod screw"
  },
  {
   "file": "diaphragm-ring-60",
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    "step",
    "stl"
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   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/diaphragm-ring-60.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/diaphragm-ring-60.stl",
   "note": "diaphragm clamp ring Ø60 bore, 6 × M3, 3 thick (print two)"
  },
  {
   "file": "diaphragm-disc-30",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/diaphragm-disc-30.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/diaphragm-disc-30.stl",
   "note": "diaphragm centre disc Ø30 × 2, Ø3.2 hole for the con-rod screw"
  },
  {
   "file": "crank-stand-40",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/crank-stand-40.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/crank-stand-40.stl",
   "note": "crank stand 40 mm, 623 bearing pocket (Ø10.2), 2 × M3 base holes (print two)"
  },
  {
   "file": "crank-stand-60",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/crank-stand-60.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/crank-stand-60.stl",
   "note": "crank stand 60 mm, 623 bearing pocket (Ø10.2), 2 × M3 base holes (print two)"
  },
  {
   "file": "crank-stand-80",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/crank-stand-80.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/crank-stand-80.stl",
   "note": "crank stand 80 mm, 623 bearing pocket (Ø10.2), 2 × M3 base holes (print two)"
  },
  {
   "file": "hub-cd-15-to-5",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/hub-cd-15-to-5.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/hub-cd-15-to-5.stl",
   "note": "CD / DVD hub: Ø15 spigot → Ø5 shaft, M3 set screw"
  },
  {
   "file": "hub-cd-15-to-8",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/hub-cd-15-to-8.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/hub-cd-15-to-8.stl",
   "note": "CD / DVD hub: Ø15 spigot → Ø8 shaft"
  },
  {
   "file": "hub-platter-25-to-8",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/hub-platter-25-to-8.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/hub-platter-25-to-8.stl",
   "note": "3.5 in HDD platter hub: Ø25 spigot → Ø8 shaft"
  },
  {
   "file": "hub-platter-25-to-5",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/hub-platter-25-to-5.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/hub-platter-25-to-5.stl",
   "note": "3.5 in HDD platter hub: Ø25 spigot → Ø5 shaft"
  },
  {
   "file": "syringe-cradle-10ml",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/syringe-cradle-10ml.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/syringe-cradle-10ml.stl",
   "note": "cradle for a 10ml syringe (Ø15.9 barrel), 4 × M3 to the frame"
  },
  {
   "file": "syringe-cradle-20ml",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/syringe-cradle-20ml.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/syringe-cradle-20ml.stl",
   "note": "cradle for a 20ml syringe (Ø21.0 barrel), 4 × M3 to the frame"
  },
  {
   "file": "syringe-cradle-60ml",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/syringe-cradle-60ml.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/syringe-cradle-60ml.stl",
   "note": "cradle for a 60ml syringe (Ø29.0 barrel), 4 × M3 to the frame"
  },
  {
   "file": "displacer-foam-62x30-template",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/displacer-foam-62x30-template.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/displacer-foam-62x30-template.stl",
   "note": "displacer envelope for a Ø66 can: Ø62 × 30 (cut from foam or print hollow), Ø2.5 rod hole"
  },
  {
   "file": "displacer-foam-54x25-template",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/displacer-foam-54x25-template.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/displacer-foam-54x25-template.stl",
   "note": "displacer for a Ø58 sleek can: Ø54 × 25"
  },
  {
   "file": "displacer-foam-72x35-template",
   "formats": [
    "step",
    "stl"
   ],
   "price_usd": 0,
   "license": "CC BY 4.0 (Xem Studio)",
   "step": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/displacer-foam-72x35-template.step",
   "stl": "https://xemstudio.com/files/hardware/can-engine-printed-kit/displacer-foam-72x35-template.stl",
   "note": "displacer for a Ø76 steel can: Ø72 × 35"
  }
 ],
 "markdown": "https://xemstudio.com/objects/can-engine-printed-kit/index.md"
}