Universal ball and socked arm

thingiverse

WORK IN PROGRESS \r\nUPDATES AND ADDITIONAL PARTS COMING\r\n\r\nThis is a universal ball and socket arm design that aims to be versatile, highly customizable, easy to adapt and print, and sturdy.\r\nThe idea is that I and everyone who needs it can easily build an arm and use accessories from either my library or other users, or simply design new ones. Therefore, I tried to make the entire design using commonly available parts and a simple interface between all parts so everyone can design new accessories with ease.\r\n\r\nTo connect the parts, you will need Bolts M3 ~20 - ~40.\r\n\r\nM3 nuts OR square nuts OR hotmelt inserts (M3xD4.6xL5)\r\nhttps://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000232858343.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dELIdSE\r\n\r\nTo interface with existing parts:\r\n\r\nExtrusion: 10x10x10mm with a 4mm hole and a D6mm x h4mm countersink for the head.\r\n1mm chamfers on all edges.\r\n\r\nHole: 10.5x10.5x10mm with a 4mm hole at the back and a facility to insert nut.\r\n\r\nAssembly:\r\n\r\nInsert the nuts or hotmelt inserts into the parts. Hotmelt inserts should be pushed in ~0.5mm deeper than the surface and then a bolt is quickly threaded through to ensure no plastic blocks the insert.\r\n\r\nFor the knobs, simply thread a M3x25 bolt directly into the plastic. Be careful not to overtighten or you will strip the plastic!\r\n\r\nI recommend printing the ball and socket parts in PETG, as they flex more before breaking and slide better. For best results, use a little oil or grease and print the balls with supports. (All other parts are designed to be printed without supports!)\r\n\r\nTighten all screws really well, as they are designed to provide mechanical support. Otherwise, the printed parts will break!\r\n\r\nOnly use the sockets with cutout where necessary, as they have less gripping force due to a smaller surface area. To increase gripping force on all sockets, you can tighten the M3 bolt in addition to the handwheel.