Customizable Recessed Flange-Mount Ball Transfer

thingiverse

I needed a ball transfer that did not exist in McMaster, so I decided to make it myself. The design is a recessed flange-mount ball transfer similar to what you might find here:https://www.mcmaster.com/products/ball-transfers/recessed-flange-mount-ball-transfers-6/ My design is also based somewhat upon @braingame26 's designs with notable differences in recessed design and customizable sizes. I recommend reading the blog post he made about the design process: http://evansalex.com/2019/04/14/3d-printed-ball-transfer-units/ . My design takes input values from the primary and secondary ball bearing diameters, the size of bolts you have on hand to assemble the transfer, and the drill sizes you have available to automagically create a customized design for your application. The example I have included in the photos here used 0.5" acetal primary balls, 4.5mm G25 steel BBs, and M3 bolt hardware. Be sure to read the comments in the file to know how I defined "elevation" and "depth" of the flange here. The comments in the code read: ``` NOTES - Assumes zero tolerance spheres (I used G25 BBs just fine). - 3D printed recessed ball transfers are probably limited to low capacity, I'm guessing less than 100lbs/45.35kg of force on a single transfer. Experiment at your own risk. The weak point will likely be the flange. - Recessed pocket uses standard hole saw or spade bit sizes - Diagram: ┌ ╔════╗ ELEV │ ┌╔╝ ╚╗┐ └ ─────┬──/ ║ ║ \──┬────── ┌ │ │®╚╗ ╔╝®│ │ │ │ │® ╚════╝ ®│ │ depth │ │ \ ®®®®®®®® / │ │ │ ────────── │ │ │ │ └ └────────────────┘ ╔══╗ ║ ║ = Roller ball (primary) ╚══╝ ® = Ball bearing (secondary) ``` Why did I make this? I wanted to use ball transfers to stabilize a turnstile for my Ultimaker. I will post my build on my website, since it uses parts outside the scope of Thingiverse. http://wesleythoneycutt.com/