Roller Coaster Gantries
These are machine design elements that we use at the CBA when we're spinning up custom machines: they're parametric, aim to be reconfigurable, and we can make them in the lab with a minimum set of stock hardware.
Machines Using RCT Gantries
Mother Mother, a generalist
Claystack, a ceramics 3d printer
the Madison Park Vocational Machine, for high schools
Usage
This repository should help you figure out how to build your own axis: it contains some explanatory drawings, videos, as well as CAD files and Bills of Materials for various design elements.
A typical machine-level workflow is described for machineweek, at this link.
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. Now you're ready to import it into another assembly.
Alternately, you can save the changes to a new file and import that model into another Fusion 360 Assembly.
Gantry for NEMA23 Motor, 0.375" HDPE
RCTN23-0375HDPE Fusion CAD File
BOM N23 0375HDPE
| Type | Size | QTY | Where Used | McMaster PN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Button Head Thread-Forming | No. 6, 3/4" | 10 + (4 * rail tab) (lots) | Connecting Lap and Tab HDPE, Belt Blocks, Chassis | 99512A265 |
| Button Head Thread-Forming | No. 6, 1/2" | 2 | Belt Blocks | 99512A259 |
| 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 | 24 | Used only when pre-loading bearing rollers | 96445K157 |
| Locknut | M3, Nylon | 6 | Used only when pre-loading bearing rollers | 90576A102 |
| SHCS | M5x10 | 1 | Connecting Nema 23 Motor | 91292A124 |
| SHCS | M5x16 | 3 | Nema 23 Motor through tensioning arcs | 91292A126 |
| 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 |