Air Bearing

thingiverse

I'm designing a device that fits the dimensions of a standard pool ball, making it perfect for various applications. I'm using compressed air at approximately 5 psi from an air compressor to supply pressure. The airflow is carefully regulated through a precision needle valve, ensuring a controlled and consistent flow rate. To achieve a smooth finish, I sanded down any rough spots on the device's surface, then fire polished the interior of the bowl to create a sleek and precise interior. While the surface was still warm, I placed a pool ball inside the bowl to test its fit, and the result is an impressively snug connection. The 1/4" NPT threads were printed with mixed results, but there's ample space to insert a tap and create new threads that will provide a more secure hold. This innovative device was crafted using Tinkercad, a popular online platform for designing and editing 3D models. You can view the original design in action on Tinkercad by visiting https://www.tinkercad.com/things/8TBhexdN8Pu. To see this device in operation, check out my YouTube video at https://youtu.be/ORHBfZ5-cJw