3 Axis Gimbal

myminifactory

I designed a custom gimbal for a test fixture at work. The original had printed corners and machined sides because our printer isn't large enough to print all the sides. I did a test print of the bearing hole in ABS with a 0.4mm nozzle and standard Fine settings in Cura 2.6 on our Ultimaker 2 and it worked out great, fitting perfectly. Stainless steel pins are used for locking mechanisms. They were machined with grooves for 4 C-clips but I've listed external push rings which will work too, though you'll only be able to install three. Be sure to round off at least one end of the pin so it will slide easily into the locking hole. Place a block under the outer locking ring plate that's tall enough for the locking pins to clear the next ring by about 1/8" and slide the inner locking ring up against the wall, then seat it in place with the external push rings. We reamed the locking pin holes to 0.128" and got a nice sliding fit which would stay back out of the way when in free swinging mode. We used slip rings from Adafruit (https://www.adafruit.com/product/1195) to get power and data into the center. Assemble it from the inside to outside: inner, middle, outer, then outer #2. I added a washer on both sides of the joints for extra support. Use extra walls on the base so you can tap the 1/4-20 holes. UPDATE 8/23/17: I've added a 15 pin D-Sub mount that I'm using to route the wiring to the inner ring. Parts List: 12 - 6002-2RS Bearings (https://www.mrosupply.com/bearings/radial-ball-bearings/198079_6002-2rs_mro-supplier/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PLA&gclid=CjwKEAjwytLKBRCX547gve7EsE4SJAD3IZV6zCv62K_1SBd9hn_NGk5gfS121ynEwXCE-ol0pIBwzxoCu93w_wcB) 1 pack - Black-Oxide 18-8 Stainless Steel Hex Drive Flat Head Screws, 1/4"-20 Thread Size, 7/8" Long (https://www.mcmaster.com/#93791a417/=18p1jt1) 2 packs - 18-8 Stainless Steel Dowel Pin, 1/8" Diameter, 2-1/2" Long (https://www.mcmaster.com/#90145a487/=18aplla) 1 pack - External Push Ring, 18-8 Stainless Steel, for 1/8" OD, 7/32" OD (https://www.mcmaster.com/#97200a020/=18p1m37) 1 pack - 18-8 Stainless Steel Nylon-Insert Locknut, Black-Oxide, 6-32 Thread Size (https://www.mcmaster.com/#94407a101/=18hgn9e) 1 pack - 18-8 Stainless Steel Hex Drive Rounded Head Screws, Black-Oxide, 6-32 Thread Size, 3/4" Long (https://www.mcmaster.com/#97763a328/=18p1mp8) 2 packs - Black-Oxide 18-8 Stainless Steel Washer for Number 6 Screw Size, 0.141" ID, 0.375" OD (https://www.mcmaster.com/#96765a115/=18hgnmg) OPTIONAL BRASS HARDWARE FOR REDUCED MAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (and a really cool look!): 1 pack - Brass Phillips Rounded Head Screws, 6-32 Thread Size, 3/4" Long (https://www.mcmaster.com/#94070a151/=18ozels) 2 packs - Brass Washer for Number 6 Screw Size, 0.147" ID, 0.312" OD (https://www.mcmaster.com/#92916a325/=18ozf0z) 4 packs - Brass Nylon-Insert Locknut, 6-32 Thread Size (https://www.mcmaster.com/#92092a021/=18ozfcz) 1 pack - Brass Phillips Flat Head Screws, 1/4"-20 Thread Size, 1" Long (https://www.mcmaster.com/#92480a545/=18ozi9c)