Axles
Added 2024-01-08 17:16:51 +0000 UTCThe models I design are meant to be used by folks with FDM, Resin printers, or both. One part always bothers me. Axles. To be truly round they should be printed at a 90 degree angle to your print bed. That said, for FDM this puts the layers lines perpendicular to how the final vehicle will print and is not the strongest. Additionally, resin prints end up fairly heavy and can cause axles to bow over time. Neither is ideal.
Recently I tried using a 3/4 inch aluminum rod that I picked up from Ace Hardware for a couple bucks. It was not expensive and was easy to cut with a Dremel cutting wheel. I am very happy with the results which was a light weight axle that was perfectly round allowing for some good wheel spin. The challenge was zeroing in the recess in the wheel's hub to fit the axle rod. Too small and wit definitely wont fit. Too loose and there ends up being a mean wobble in the wheels.
Going forward and starting with the Thundermachine I will have more than one version of the files available. One that requires the printer to purchase a 3/4 inch rod to use as an axle and one that has the files for printed axles.
Comments
I always just print the axles horizontally on the bed. The side on the bed surface is typically flattened a little for print stability. Seems to work out ok for at least single wheel press on fits. π€·π»ββοΈ
Chris H. (cannibal869)
2024-01-08 17:35:07 +0000 UTC
