Marblevator, Simple.

by gzumwalt

10.0K12524


Intro: Marblevator, Simple.

"Marblevator, Simple" is more than likely the simplest Marblevator I've ever created. Consisting of only two easy to 3D print components along with a gear motor, ball bearings, battery pack and batteries, this model is, well, simple!

The video features a 6 slotted wheel with 12mm plastic marbles (11mm ball bearings may be used as well), but I've also included the 1, 2, and 3 slot wheels.

As usual, I probably forgot a file or two or who knows what else, so if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask as I do make plenty of mistakes.

Designed using Autodesk Fusion 360, sliced using Ultimaker Cura 4.12.1, and 3D printed in PLA on Ultimaker S5s.

STEP 1: Parts.

I acquired the following parts:

  • One N20 6VDC 30RPM gear motor.
  • One twin AAA cell battery pack with wires and switch.
  • Two AAA batteries.
  • Five 11mm diameter ball bearings or five 12mm plastic marbles.

I 3D printed the following parts using Ultimaker Cura 4.12.1 Engineering Profile at .1mm layer height, 15% infill:

  • One "Base.stl".
  • One "Wheel 6.stl".

Depending on your slicer, printer, printer settings and the colors you chose, trimming, filing, drilling and/or sanding may be required. I carefully filed all edges that contacted the build plate to make absolutely certain that all build plate "ooze" is removed and that all edges are smooth using small jewelers files and plenty of patience.

STEP 2: Assembly.

To assemble the model, I performed the following steps:

  • Slid the battery pack wires through the hole in the rear of "Base.stl" and through the base motor mount cavity, then soldered the wires to the gear motor such that the gear motor shaft rotated clockwise when viewed from the motor shaft end of the gear motor with power applied.
  • Pressed the gear motor into the motor mount cavity.
  • Pressed "Wheel 6.stl" onto the gear motor shaft.
  • Aligned the wheel with the track.

With assembly complete, I turned off the battery pack switch, installed the batteries, turned on the battery pack switch, positioned the ball bearings on the track, and off it went!

And that is how I 3D printed and assembled "Marblevator, Simple".

See, I told you it was simple and I hope you enjoyed it!

21 Comments

Teen Librarian 1212 6 months ago

Say, could you send over a direct link to the motor you used? Want to make sure I get the right one for the project. :-) Thanks!

Teen Librarian 1212 6 months ago

Appreciate it Greg. Was a bit confused at some of the options when it came to the gear shaft length.

patrickcttp 7 months ago

I cannot seem to find 12mm plastic marbles (the closest I found is 14mm) - will it work or can you share where you purchase yours ? great job !!!

jeanniel1 7 months ago

They look like 1/2" glass marbles - which ought to be available. [I know - the use of Imperial units vs Metric! Heavens!]

gzumwalt 6 months ago

Hi jeanniel1,

The model was designed for 12mm plastic marbles, but 12mm ball bearings will work as well.

Greg

gzumwalt 7 months ago

I've uploaded "Wheel 6A.stl" which is designed for 14mm marbles.

Greg

patrickcttp 7 months ago

both are currently unavailable ;o) any chance you make a version for 14mm balls (which are widely available) ?

jeanniel1 7 months ago

I've been printing fidget cubes for my 6th grade students but this might work better and in a group! LOL!

gzumwalt 6 months ago

Hi jeanniel1,

I hope it does!

Greg

gzumwalt 7 months ago

Thank you Palingenesis, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Greg

Teen Librarian 1212 7 months ago

I'm a teen services librarian at a public library and would LOVE to offer this as a construction program for a very small group of teens (10-12). Thinking of having the 3D printed bits ready for the teens and they show up to put the parts together, soldering and all with the help of Robotics team members from our local high school. I'm curious about the est cost that you ref in the download for the base. Is that cost for how much filament you use for one base? That of course would be a non-starter for a public library. :/ I'm sure I could get the motors for a cut rate through the Robotics team and their connections. Thanks in advance for the clarification. - Dawn

gzumwalt 7 months ago

Hi Teen Librarian 1212,

I'm truly sorry but I do not understand your question regarding the cost for the base. The download is free however you will need access to a 3D printer and filament to make the model.

Greg

Teen Librarian 1212 7 months ago

Greg I'm referring to the info in the bottom left corner of the image I attached.

gzumwalt 7 months ago

Hi again,

I downloaded the file "Base.stl" and find nothing that you mentioned. It is a long print.

Greg

Teen Librarian 1212 7 months ago

Ok, no worries Greg. Guess it's something quirky on my end. Thanks for the great project!

Snorvarg 7 months ago

Neat look! Make it solarpowered, the next step? :)
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