MakerWheel

Description

The goal of the MakerWheel project is to develop a low cost alternative to traditional linear and rotary motion components. MakerWheels are 3D printed wheels that integrate with standard threaded rods and screws. The design of the wheel allows it to be used in three primary applications: 1) a roller wheel in a linear slide, 2) a gear in a rack-and-pinion, and 3) a worm gear. MakerWheels are great for creating low cost prototypes and educational models of motion systems.

MakerWheel is a continuation of the GearRaill project, which was started in 2015. More information about GearRail can be found here: https://contest.techbriefs.com/2015/entries/machinery-automation-robotics/6197.
MakerWheel and GearRail are open source hardware projects licensed under the CERN Open Source Hardware License (Version 1.2).

Project Logs

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MakerWheel Master File Modification Instructions Posted to GitHub
Scott Winroth • 07/26/2017 at 18:09 • 0 comments

Instructions to modify the MakerWheel master file have been posted to GitHub. They are located in the MakerWheel/MakerWheel_Master/ folder. These instructions cover two main procedures:
- Procedure A: Change the number of MakerWheel teeth.
- Procedure B: Change the diameter and pitch of the mating screw thread.
Please feel free to contact me if you find errors and/or run into issues using the instructions. I look forward to your feedback (good or bad).
Thanks.
MakerWheel Master File Uploaded to GitHub
Scott Winroth • 07/24/2017 at 03:22 • 0 comments

A MakerWheel master file has been uploaded to GitHub. This is a SolidWorks source file from which custom MakerWheels can be created. The file was created using SolidWorks 2016. The master file contains an M8 MakerWheel with 64 teeth (64T) as a starting point (henceforth referred to as the “Baseline MakerWheel”). Custom MakerWheels can be generated by modifying certain parameters of the Baseline MakerWheel. The master file is highly dependent on equation driven dimensioning, which reduces the number of user inputs required.

A document with detailed instructions to make the following modifications will be uploaded this week:

1. Change the number of MakerWheel teeth,

2. Change the diameter and pitch of the mating thread.
M8 Linear Slide Components Uploaded to GitHub
Scott Winroth • 07/19/2017 at 03:06 • 0 comments

CAD files for a simple linear slide have been added to the GitHub repository. The carriage is sized for M8-64T MakerWheels (also available on GitHub). The carriage has mounting holes to accommodate delta or quad MakerWheel configurations. The carriage is purposely lacking mounting holes for accessories since each application is unique. Additional holes can be added by modifying the CAD model or using a drill. Another alternative is to design a separate shield plate (think Arduino shield) that would attach either above or below the carriage. Thanks.
MakerWheel Modular Worm Gear Reducer Prototype Complete
Scott Winroth • 07/18/2017 at 03:30 • 3 comments

The first prototype of the MakerWheel modular worm gear reducer was completed today. The gear reducer was developed to demonstrate how MakerWheels can be used in rotary motion applications. The prototype uses a 1/2"-13 bolt as the worm and a 50-tooth (50T) MakerWheel as the worm gear. Speed reduction ratio is 50:1. The 1/2"-13 bolts are supported by two R8-2RS bearings. All components are 3D printed in ABS except for the nuts, bolts, and bearings. Power input on this prototype is a simple finger crank but it could be coupled to an electric drill or DC motor very easily. Alternative speed reduction ratios are possible by exchanging the 50T MakerWheel and mounting plate with a different size (40T, 60T, etc.). Design files will be uploaded to GitHub soon.
GitHub Repository Setup and Initial Release
Scott Winroth • 07/14/2017 at 20:39 • 0 comments

I concentrated my efforts today on setting up the GitHub repository for the MakerWheel project. This repository will hold all of the official CAD files and documentation. I released an initial batch of M8 MakerWheel CAD files (STL and IGES) as well. All M8 MakerWheels are compatible with standard M8x1.25 mm threaded rod and screws. The released files include several blanks (MakerWheels without hubs or bore holes that can modified by end users as needed), a 64-tooth (64T) MakerWheel with a single 608 bearing bore hole, and a 64T MakerWheel with dual 608 bearing bore holes. 64T MakerWheels are used to create linear motion systems such as the standard MakerWheel linear slide, which will be released soon. Thanks!

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Discussions

malvasio.christophe wrote 07/19/2017 at 09:05

can't you make MakerWheel for motorised linear motion but using directly alu profiled ?

so no need to buy expensive threaded things of 2 meters long for example

thanks

Are you sure? yes | no

Joshua Whitehead wrote 07/19/2017 at 15:24

The long threaded rods he's using, at least in the U.S., are inexpensive and commonly available in most hardware and home improvement stores. For example I purchased a ~10mm diameter rod that's ~3 meters length last week for less than $6 USD. These are not precision ground linear motion Acme thread rods he's using, so they are significantly cheaper than even extruded aluminum section as you suggested.

Edit: Typos

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Scott Winroth wrote 07/19/2017 at 18:32

Thanks Josh! You are absolutely correct. One meter of M8x1.25 threaded rod is only $4.29 USD from McMaster-Carr. Here's the link if anyone is interested: https://www.mcmaster.com/#99055a125/=18kgoe

The 608 style bearings that I'm using in the M8 MakerWheels are also very cheap (when bought in bulk and from the right supplier). You can buy 100 bearings on Amazon.com for around $30 USD (roughly $0.30 USD per bearing). It's crazy but fidget spinners seem to have really influenced the price of these bearings... I was paying around $40 - $50 USD per 100 bearings just 6-8 months ago. More color choices now too for the sealed 2RS variety.

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malvasio.christophe wrote 07/20/2017 at 06:39

i found some threaded rods for much less a before

for EU buyers motedis sell really inexpensive extruded aluminium

and if i add threaded rods to my alu things the price go to more than double

even without thinking off price without threaded things the assembly is lighter

i don't say to stop MakerWheel for threaded things

i ask for direct extruded section use too

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Daniel Rojas wrote 07/19/2017 at 05:16

This sounds like an awesome idea!

However, can it truly be considered open source if the original design files are not available? The GearRail page mentions SolidWorks (propietary and expensive) as being used. GitHub has STL files (not editable) and IGES (maybe?).

I don't mean to sound too negative, but have you considered redoing the design in an open format (OpenSCAD / SolveSpace / ...) so people can adapt it? Imagine making a tiny version using M3 rods :-) (with an appropriately precise printer)

Keep it up and let me know your thoughts!

PS: If printing the actual teeth turned out to be too diffucult for smaller sizes, perhaps they could be "knurled" into a blank roller using the threaded rod itself? Maybe heating it up to melt into the plastic? Just an idea.

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Scott Winroth wrote 07/24/2017 at 03:45

I just uploaded a MakerWheel master file (SolidWorks 2016 version). SolidWorks is the only 3D CAD software that I know well and can use at a relatively high level. I am not familiar with the capabilities of the other software programs that you mentioned (OpenSCAD and SolveSpace). Do these programs allow equation-driven dimensioning and the ability to make helical cuts in a revolved pattern?

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Daniel Rojas wrote 07/24/2017 at 05:14

I know the problem, I also use SolidWorks / Solid Edge for work, and then I'm disappointed when I (unsurprisingly) can't find the fancy features in the free and open source programs ;-)

And I most definitely don't want to criticize your work, just maybe give some inspiration, either to you or to anyone reading. I am growing fonder and fonder of open source software and am trying to use it more and more in my projects. So here's my two cents on the subject.

OpenSCAD calls itself "The Programmers Solid 3D CAD Modeller", it's basically a scripting language to describe 3D models. As such, you can use as much math and variables as you like to describe the geometry.

SolveSpace is graphical (like SolidWorks), albeit much more minimalistic. It is fully parametric, so you can define mathematical constraints and relationships between elements. I'm eagerly waiting for v3.0, which should allow variables to drive dimensions (currently, you can only define ratios/differences between dimensions themselves).

Revolved patterns themselves are no problem in either of the two. I whipped up a crude proof of concept in SolveSpace. It's some linear extrusions, tilted with respect to the main planes, in a circular pattern. Bear in mind I made this in five minutes, it could surely be further refined.

http://imgur.com/gallery/Ycy8T

As for me, I am much more comfortable using a graphical program, rather than OpenSCAD-style scripting applications. Let me know what you think! :-)

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Tobias wrote 07/19/2017 at 00:34

Can you drive a CNC machine with this?

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Scott Winroth wrote 07/19/2017 at 01:44

I haven't tried yet but would like to. Accuracy may be an issue for really detailed work. Thanks.

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Spencer Skelly wrote 07/18/2017 at 23:03

This is cool.

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cyntheld wrote 07/18/2017 at 20:58

Hmmm... thread rod is often not very straight, so using it for guide ways will be a bad idea for some applications.
I think as drive mechanism this is very cool idea! Kind of a poor man's Rack and Pinion. I would expect the drive capstan (or pinion) to wear quickly when made out of plastic though.

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trevorjtclarke wrote 07/18/2017 at 20:14

What printer do you use? Those parts look flawless

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Scott Winroth wrote 07/19/2017 at 01:42

All the parts in the photos were printed on a Stratasys Dimension 1200es that was refilled with MakerBot ABS. Thanks.

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MakerWheel

Description

Project Logs

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MakerWheel Master File Modification Instructions Posted to GitHub

MakerWheel Master File Uploaded to GitHub

M8 Linear Slide Components Uploaded to GitHub

MakerWheel Modular Worm Gear Reducer Prototype Complete

GitHub Repository Setup and Initial Release

Discussions

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