If I had a 3d printer at home, I'd first want to print something fun that pushes the capabilities of the printer just a little. To that end, I came up with this.
This is a 8 layer gimbal. Each layer rotates on a track within another layer. Normally, people only design gimbals with 3 axes of rotation, allowing the center layer to be rotated to any angle relative to the outer layer. This model has 7 axes of rotation. Overkill? Yes. All edges have also been filleted to reduce stress concentrations.
I've uploaded the model in 6 different flavors. Each has a slightly different gap between the bearing surfaces of the layers. The gap ranges from 6 to 40 thousandths of an inch. The model with a 10 thousandths gap is recommended for printers such as an Objet, while the larger gap versions may be required to properly print on printers with less accuracy and resolution. Creative orienting of the model should allow this model to be printed with minimal and easily removed supports.
All of my renderings are of the 10 thousandths gap model. The last render is of the tougher 10 thousandths model. Let me know if you like this model. Also, let me know if you see any changes that you'd recommend making. I'd be happy to upload an improved version. Thanks!
This is a 8 layer gimbal. Each layer rotates on a track within another layer. Normally, people only design gimbals with 3 axes of rotation, allowing the center layer to be rotated to any angle relative to the outer layer. This model has 7 axes of rotation. Overkill? Yes. All edges have also been filleted to reduce stress concentrations.
I've uploaded the model in 6 different flavors. Each has a slightly different gap between the bearing surfaces of the layers. The gap ranges from 6 to 40 thousandths of an inch. The model with a 10 thousandths gap is recommended for printers such as an Objet, while the larger gap versions may be required to properly print on printers with less accuracy and resolution. Creative orienting of the model should allow this model to be printed with minimal and easily removed supports.
All of my renderings are of the 10 thousandths gap model. The last render is of the tougher 10 thousandths model. Let me know if you like this model. Also, let me know if you see any changes that you'd recommend making. I'd be happy to upload an improved version. Thanks!
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danielalejol says:
Jan 28, 2013. 10:24 PMReply
If you win, i want one of them
jbrecken says:
Jan 10, 2013. 8:25 AMReply
You could use one of these as a simplified model of an atom, with a nucleus and 7 electron shells, which is enough to simulate every known element.
2
eyesee says:
Jan 10, 2013. 6:14 AMReply
Something magical
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mattthegamer463 says:
Jan 9, 2013. 6:41 AMReplyPretty neat, but what will serve as bearings in each axis?
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skorpijon (author) says:
Jan 9, 2013. 7:53 AMReplyHi, if you look more precise, you can see, that the rings are sliding.
4
fred27 says:
Jan 9, 2013. 12:18 AMReplyHave you actually made one? The design is great, but the real test will be how the design works in practice.
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skorpijon (author) says:
Jan 9, 2013. 7:51 AMReplyHi, theroy and practice go one with the other. There is not a big difference between them (project stability) if you take the correct assumptions. Like I said, it can be done and I will make it when I will have the right quipment.
Lectric Wizard says:
Jan 8, 2013. 1:12 PMReply
With 4 "sides" to each layer how do you put it together??
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skorpijon (author) says:
Jan 9, 2013. 7:47 AMReplyHi, I see what you are asking. You do not have to put it together if you make it with 3D printer (third paragraph). If you want to make it with other procedure, than you have to make some modifications to the model.
mcsxr2 says:
Jan 9, 2013. 6:26 AMReply
Be careful, You saw what happened in "Contact" but really this is outstanding!!! I hope a printer can do it justice.
hajosmulders says:
Jan 8, 2013. 1:38 PMReply
If you put these on kickstarter I'm buying at least one!
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