Roller Coaster Gantries
Parametric, low-complexity fabrication linear axis designs using ubiquitous hardware.
Gantry for NEMA23 Motor, 0.25" Aluminum
In Fusion[^2], you can open this file up and use (from the top menu)
Modify >> Change Paremeters
Each of these models should have some parameters starred, these are what you'll want to configure. Go ahead and set axis lengths, material thicknesses according to what you're doing. When you're satisfied, you can export the model as a .step file, using the file menu, to prep it for fabrication.
File >> Export
Make sure to change 'type' to .step, and check the 'save to my computer' box.
N23 / 0.25" ALU Hardware
| Type | Size | QTY | Where Used | McMaster PN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHCS | M3x12 | 8 | Connecting Lap and Tab Aluminum, and Belt Blocks | |
| FHCS | M3x12 | 8 | Nice option for flush-mounting things | |
| SHCS | M3x35 | 2 | Used only when pre-loading bearing rollers | 91292A033 |
| SHCS | M3x45 | 2 | Used only when pre-loading bearing rollers | 91292A025 |
| Belleville Washer | 3.1mm ID | 12 | Used only when pre-loading bearing rollers | 96445K157 |
| Locknut | M3, Nylon | 2 | Used only when pre-loading bearing rollers | 90576A102 |
| SHCS | M5x10 | 1 | Connecting Nema 23 Motor | |
| SHCS | M5x16 | 3 | Nema 23 Motor through arcs | |
| Shoulder Screw | 8mm Shoulder x 8mm x M6 | 10 | Guide Roller Shaft | 92981A198 |
| Shoulder Screw | 8mm Shoulder x 16mm x M6 | 2 | Belt Guide Roller Shaft | 92981A202 |
N23 / 0.25" ALU Parts
| What | Spec | QTY | Where Used | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 608ZZ Bearings | 8x22x7 | 14 | Rollers | VXB 10, VXB 1000 |
| GT2 Belt | 10mm Wide, Length Dependent | 2 | Belt! | Amazon |
| GT2 Pulley | 10mm Wide, Motor Bore Diameter | 1 | Transmission! | Above, Combo |
Of course, you'll also need material. In this case, just 0.25" aluminum. I use 6061.
N23 / 0.25" ALU Tools
A list of the (perhaps) specialty tools you'll want to have to make this gantry:
| Tool | Where Used | McMaster PN or Link |
|---|---|---|
| M3 Tap | Extensively | |
| M5 Tap | Extensively | |
| M6 Tap | Shoulder Bolts | |
| Countersink Bit | Flush Mounting |
90 Degree Block for 1/4" Aluminum
RCTBLK-90-025ALU Fusion CAD File
Gantry for NEMA23 Motor, 0.375" HDPE
| Type | Size | QTY | Where Used | McMaster PN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Button Head Thread-Forming | No. 6, 3/4" | 8 | Connecting Lap and Tab HDPE, and Belt Blocks | 99512A265 |
| Flat Head Thread-Forming | No. 6, 3/4" | 8 | Flush Mounting HDPE | 95893A258 |
| SHCS | M3x40 | 2 | Used only when pre-loading bearing rollers | 91292A024 |
| SHCS | M3x30 | 2 | Used only when pre-loading bearing rollers | 91292A022 |
| Belleville Washer | 3.1mm ID | 12 | Used only when pre-loading bearing rollers | 96445K157 |
| Locknut | M3, Nylon | 2 | Used only when pre-loading bearing rollers | 90576A102 |
| SHCS | M5x10 | 1 | Connecting Nema 23 Motor | |
| SHCS | M5x16 | 3 | Nema 23 Motor through arcs | |
| Shoulder Screw | 8mm Shoulder x 8mm x M6 | 10 | Guide Roller Shaft | 92981A198 |
| Shoulder Screw | 8mm Shoulder x 16mm x M6 | 2 | Belt Guide Roller Shaft | 92981A202 |
| Bearing Shim | 8mm ID x 10mm OD x 1mm Thick | 38 | Roller Separation | 98089A381 |
REF
Find Open Assemblies Hardware Reference for shorthands etc.
Jake's Notes
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doc
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bom
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hardware callout drawing (probably more useful than video)
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preloading drawing
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nice to include a note on what those flexures are up to ... and some other design decisions
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kinematic mounts are three button head cap screws on 20mm grid w/ reciprocal / wherever-u-like mount ins
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all axis have scroll-along top plate w/ connection to motor plate, final scroll kinematic triangle
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all axis have scroll-along bottom beam plate w/ 20mm grid w/ last scroll kinematic triangles