3 Axis Gimbal

thingiverse

A 3-axis gimbal I designed for a test fixture at work features printed corners and machined sides due to our printer's size limitation for printing all sides. A test print of the bearing hole in ABS with a 0.4mm nozzle and standard Fine settings in Cura 2.6 on an Ultimaker 2 resulted in a nice press fit of the bearing. Stainless steel pins are used for locking mechanisms, machined with grooves for 4 C-clips; however, I've listed external push rings as an alternative option, which will work although you'll only be able to install three. Be sure to round off at least one end of the pin so it slides easily into the locking hole. Place a block under the outer locking ring plate of sufficient height for the locking pins to clear the next ring by about 1/8" and slide the inner locking ring up against the wall, seating it in place with external push rings. We reamed the locking pin holes to 0.128", achieving a nice sliding fit that would stay out of the way when in free swinging mode. To get power and data into the center, we used slip rings from Adafruit. Assemble from the inside to outside (inside, middle, outer, outer #2). I used washers on both sides of the joints for extra support. Use extra walls on the base so you can tap 1/4-20 holes. I updated the parts list as I missed a couple parts that were not stainless steel. Added a D-Sub mount for a 15-pin D-sub connector, which is used as part of the wiring system. You'll need longer screws where this mounts; I will post a picture soon of how I positioned them.