Marble Track Runner

prusaprinters

A set of tracks and interactive parts to create your own marble run/marble machine! The tracks can be printed as needed and rearranged into different layouts. The tracks are designed for small print volumes in mind (also because my printer is small). The longest dimension is 4.875 inches (124 mm), meaning all the parts can fit on a 120 mm by 120 mm print bed. All parts require minimal assembly (if any) and no supports (with one exception). These are perfect if you just want to print and play without the hassle of post-processing, assembling, gluing, etc. Included with the print files is a flat track-template if you want to create your own track parts! Print instructions and descriptions for each part are included in the instructions. I hope my hours of work (and failed prints) will bring fun and creativity! If you have any problems, custom parts, or a cool layout feel free to message me. I'll do my best to fix any issues and I'd love to see what others create with my little project! Print instructionsIntroduction Each part has a number (e.g. part 1). Some parts will have letters attached to them (e.g. part 5A and 5B), which indicates that these parts with the same number but different letters create one "piece" or "track." All parts are printed with 0.2 mm layer height, no supports, no infill preference, and in the orientation shown in the CAD images unless otherwise noted (parts with different print settings with be denoted with an asterisk* and the new instructions will be bolded). Most parts are printed with the bottom side of the track or component lying on the print bed. I printed my parts with ABS (it was the only material I had at the time), but these should work with other materials, notably PLA. Rollers 0 - Roller*: Recommended to use 100% or highest possible infill! Replacement if you don't have marbles smaller than 5/8 inches (16 mm). Marbles are preferred, but these cylindrical rollers work. Basic Tracks 1 - Straight Track: A simple straight track. 2 - Curved Track: A simple 90 degree turn. 3 - Open End Track: End track in which the marble/roller can roll off the track. 4 - Closed End Track: End track in which the marble/roller can stop or roll back, staying on the track. 5 - Left Switch Track: A switch track that turns right. 6 - Right Switch Track: A switch track that turns left. 7 - Switch Gate*: The part is oriented on the print bed with the top touching the bed to eliminate excessive overhang. Shown in CAD. An optional part to attach to the switch tracks to force marbles in a certain direction rather than having a "passive" switch track. Multi-Level Tracks 8 - Stilt: A structural part to raise your tracks. These can be stacked on top of each other to go even higher! 9 - Ramp*: Requires supports! This is a simple ramp to move the track up or down. 10 - C-Ramp*: The part is oriented on the print bed with the flat side wall touching the bed to eliminate excessive overhang. Shown in CAD. This is a ramp that not only moves the ball down but makes it move in the opposite direction in which it came. Interactive Tracks 11A - Vertical Lever: This track allows one marble/roller to push a lever arm, which pushes another marble/roller on the other side. 11B - Vertical Lever (Arm)*: The part is oriented on the print bed with the top touching the bed to eliminate excessive overhang. Shown in CAD. This is the actual arm that one marble/roller hits to push another marble/roller. 12A - Track Lever: This is a simple lever that rotates when a marble/roller runs over it. The marble/roller must be moving fast enough to overcome the slight incline. 12B - Track Lever (Arm): This is the track that actually rotates. 13A - Paddle Wheel: A simple track that includes a paddle, which rotates when a marble/roller runs through it. 13B - Paddle Wheel (Spinner): The actual paddle that rotates. Template 9999 - Track Template: A template to create your own custom tracks. Not intended to be printed as it is just a template.