Functional 1:32 Knuckle Coupler

thingiverse

UPDATE 9-24-2019: I'm calling this done! Source files are included so you can customize the couplers or their shanks. Scale-down couplers, as shown, were printed by scaling everything up 160% and using 7mm bearing balls. Examples of how to print them have been added, with the body in two pieces to maintain outer detail and allow inner surface cleaning before final assembly. STL files with thinner shanks are compatible with Kadee boxes but not self-centering. UPDATE 8-18-2019: I've managed to get the desired level of detail by printing with a .3mm nozzle in ABS. They would likely be even better in PLA, but outside temperatures in TX make me nervous. Large couplers pictured are 1:20 scale, while small ones are 1:32 and intended for use as 3/4 size narrow gauge couplers in F scale. UPDATE: I've had some success printing this after a minor rebuild of my Anet A8. Photos of the 1:20 scale version and 1:32 scale (unfinished) prints have been added. To print these parts well, your printer needs to be finely tuned. This is my attempt at updating the beautiful coupler design provided above to make it functional. Using a steel BB to lock the knuckle, a magnet should uncouple the design. I haven't printed this yet; feel free to let us know how it works if you get to it first. Source files used to verify fits with paired couplers have been included. The format is from Designspark Mechanical. https://youtu.be/mchGHJw_Mpw https://youtu.be/EqSQ0ennc58