Rod End using Bracelet Beads

thingiverse

A printable rod end housing made from bracelet beads is now a reality. These versatile beads, acquired from Hobby Lobby, measure 10mm in diameter, with a hole size of approximately 3 mm in diameter - perfect for M3 screws. The same precision is achieved within the housing itself, accommodating M3 threads without any issues. To assemble this rod end housing, one must press-fit it in a vise with two rod ends stacked on top of each other. While this method has shown some promise, it still causes minor plastic deformation when cold-pressing alone - heat application has yet to be tested for optimal results. To alleviate this issue, I'm considering reducing the thickness of the housing for easier pressing. Future plans include experimenting with various bead sizes from Hobby Lobby, hoping to achieve even better results. Additionally, I'm eager to test this printable rod end housing on RC cars and a kossel 3D printer - two applications that hold great promise for its potential benefits.