Desktop Machine With Roller Chain

prusaprinters

<p>Ever since I saw Arthur Ganson's sculptures, I have wanted to make a version of my own. &nbsp;“Machine With Roller Chain” is a motor-driven sprocket that drives a length of chain up through a table and the chain is allowed to tumble onto itself in a hypnotic and organic motion. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="media"><oembed url="https://youtu.be/Tcw7IvGJG9s"></oembed></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p>With my version, my goal was to make a model that was entirely printable, without supports and created a satisfying assembly experience. &nbsp;This model consists of the Main, Top, Sprocket, Bolt and Links. &nbsp;You need one of every part except for the links. &nbsp;The amount of links you need is entirely up to you. &nbsp;For reference, my model uses 36 links and I printed them in 3 batches of 12. &nbsp;Feel free to experiment with more or less and see what you come up with!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I recommend printing theses parts at .2mm layer height or less and any infill percentage over 10% should be sufficient. &nbsp;My provided .gcode files are for .2mm layer height and everything works well. &nbsp;I suggest using PLA and I can verify that it works with PLA. &nbsp;If you print it in a different material, please let me know and validate that it works in other materials.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I have provided two different .gcode files for the Sprocket, one has a color change when the print reaches the “knob” area so you can highlight the “action” features. &nbsp;I have also included a single-color version if you would like to skip the color change.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>When printing the links, make sure to position the flat side of the link down towards the print bed. &nbsp;Also, when assembling the links, make sure to keep all flat sides on one side of the chain and all rounded sides on the other side of the chain. &nbsp;When assembling, ensure that the round sides of the links are contacting the sprocket and the flat faces are facing away from the sprocket. &nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>I typically design in imperial measurements. &nbsp;If a part comes in and it is too small, adjust the scale of that part to 2540% and it will be correct.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After you click everything together, slowly turn the sprocket and watch the chain click-clack onto itself and create a mechanical display.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://hackaday.com/2022/09/25/3d-printable-sculpture-shows-off-unpredictable-order-of-chains/#comments">Desktop Machine With Roller Chain featured on Hackaday!</a></p>