Random part of the day: Differentiale 3M Z 28

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Today's random part is 62821, 'Differentiale 3M Z 28', which is a Technic part, category Functional Elements, Gear Wheels And Racks. It was introduced in 2008 and is still in use today. It's been made in 1 colour and has appeared in 44 sets, one of the first of which was 8297 Off-Roader.

Our members collectively own a total of 308,848 of them. If you'd like to buy some you should find them for sale at BrickLink.

21 comments on this article

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By in United States,

Good for technic gearboxes!

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By in United States,

As for your refreshment, sir, we strongly recommend our 2008 Differentiale, which pairs perfectly with fish or chicken.

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By in United States,

Ah yes
D I F F E R E N T I A L E .

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By in United States,

New for 2008, the Differentiale 3M Z28, available in 24 great smelling colors, with optional convertible top and "sun and sound" package.

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By in United States,

@WesterBricks said:
"New for 2008, the Differentiale 3M Z28, available in 24 great smelling colors, with optional convertible top and "sun and sound" package."

Sorry, supplies are low, due to a chip shortage. (goes to the store to buy more)

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By in United States,

An actual Danish part name. Interesting.

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By in United States,

Seriously though, what does this part do?

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By in United States,

I’m actually indifferent to this part.

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By in United States,

I am gearing up to purchase this part.

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By in Canada,

I prefer the Integrale 3/2M^2 ZM 28M + C. Differentiales downshift too much for my liking.

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By in United Kingdom,

Oh yeah Differentiale 3M Z 28. I remember when they won the Champions League

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By in Canada,

Now this is a rare, one of 308,848, Differentiale 3M Z28s in the color dark bluish grey.

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By in United States,

Quite a name, but it's to expected from a technical element

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By in United Kingdom,

So does a smaller cog go in the middle?

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By in United States,

@Brickalili said:
"So does a smaller cog go in the middle?"

Usually three.

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By in United States,

@Padmewan said:
"Seriously though, what does this part do?"

It allows axles to spin at different rates when powered by a common source, and is typically used to transfer power to the nonsteering axles on a car or truck.

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By in Germany,

When I hear about this part I am all gears.

Plus I just noticed that I own 9 out of the 44 sets this part comes in.

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By in United Kingdom,

My sort of piece, something to get my teeth into....
With my interest in Technic sets and Big rigs, it is used regularly.
Apparently I've got 32 across 21 sets!

It's not much use with out it's additional 3 pieces that are needed.
CONICAL WHEEL Z12
These are normally found in brick yellow though can be found in otcolours. They allow the transfer of energy/momentum to the axles.

It replaced DIFFERENTIALE GEAR CASING

And I think it has subsequently been 'superseded' by a newer alternative part DIFFERENTIALE 3M, NO. 1 though it might be it is actual an alternative not a replacement to that part.

Sorry can't get hyperlinks to work for Parts!

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By in Netherlands,

@Padmewan said:
"Seriously though, what does this part do?"

Now that's a good question here, for anyone wondering.
A differential is typically used on a car axle that transmits the power/torque/rotation from the engine to the large gear. The smaller gears in the middle enable one wheel (the outer wheel in case of cornering) to rotate faster than the inner wheel. Therefor, it reduces wringing/friction, making it much easier to make turns and reduce wear on the tyres.
In some cases, differential may be (fully or partially) locked, which may come in handy off road, when drifting, or when there is a need to improve straight line stability at high speed, which I believe was first employed Ferrari 430 from 2004, please correct me if I'm wrong.
In four wheel drive vehicles, there will be a differential in between the front and rear axle as well.

Lego should make a Torsen differential by the way, for increasing the torque transmitted to the wheel that spins faster.

Other uses of a differential are possible in mechanical setups, using some creativity.

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By in United States,

@GSR_MataNui said:
"Quite a name, but it's to expected from a technical element"
Wait, no lore behind this piece?

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By in United States,

Wonder when we get a Technic piece that isn't in one of the Supercar sets (Lambo, Chiron, Porsche). I imagine it'll be a wheel, but is that designated a Technic piece?

No-one will answer this as I'm very late to the party today.

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