Linear Motion Kit
flickr:8126905909

Description

  • This kit includes 12”- and 18”-long linear rail, accompanying set of linear bearings, set of sliding elements for use with perforated angle, shaft mounts, leadscrew stock (uncut), lead nuts, belt clamps, belts and pulleys, motor mounts and couplings for 3 motors. Dremel mount, set of captive nut mounts and 6”x8” ¼”acrylic table are included as well.
  • Perforated angle is not included - see Structural Kit A.

Used in

Components

flickr:8126931648
qty component pic
2 sliding-element-3.5 1
2 sliding-element-2.5 1
2 sliding-element-1 1
2 linear-bearing-3.5 2
4 linear-bearing-2.5 2
2 linear-rail-12 3
2 linear-rail-18 3
8 shaft-mount 4
4 leadnut-mount 5
4 coupling-nut-clamp 5
3 motor-mount set 6
4 captive-nut 7
2 belt-clamp 8
2 thrust-bearing 9
6 pulley XL10T 10
1 belt XL240 11
1 belt XL280 11
1 belt XL400 11
1 acrylic plate 8x6 1/4" 12
2 threaded-rod-36
various 1/4-20 fasteners 13
various 10-24 fasteners 14

Before you buy

  • Contraptor set is in beta.
  • The set uses imperial measurement system (inches). Consider availability of imperial parts, including fasteners, in your locale before ordering. Contraptor uses 6-32, 10-24 and ¼-20 threads.
  • The set uses holes that are intentionally oversize (1/4”) for the corresponding screws (10-24, <3/16” dia). This allows lower part tolerances which means ability to make replacement parts without precision tools and lower part cost. In line with that, the components are adjustable, and once put together, motion assemblies need to be aligned for optimal performance. In many cases the alignment is easy, but sometimes it can be difficult. There are several documented design and alignment techniques that should be followed for optimal results.
  • While components work as intended in most cases, they have not been tested in variety of conditions (vibration, temperature, dust/dirt, overloading, long operation time, or their combination). Do not use the set or machines assembled from the set in mission-critical applications.
  • Machines assembled from the set should not be run unsupervised.
  • While the set is intended for use with low-power stepper motors, certain drive mechanisms (for example, leadscrew drive) can pinch and potentially break fingers.
  • For the above reasons, keep children away from running mechanisms.
  • Exercise care and have your power supply ON/OFF button easily accessible to avoid injury.

Known issues

  • Some edges of some aluminum parts can be sharp. Aluminum is relatively soft and dulls easily, but still, handle parts carefully.
  • Some of the threaded holes in sliding elements may not be tapped completely. These can be fixed with a power drill/screwdriver and a metal screw.
  • Set screws in the pulleys and motor couplings may occasionally become loose if there is too much vibration. Tighten them well.

Assembly

Part List

qty part source1
2 sliding-element-1 tube fabricated
2 sliding-element-2.5 tube fabricated
2 sliding-element-3.5 tube fabricated
8 sliding-elements UHMWPE center pads fabricated
16 sliding-elements UHMWPE side pads fabricated
4 linear-bearing-2.5 channel fabricated
2 linear-bearing-3.5 channel fabricated
8 linear-bearing wheel mount fabricated
16 linear-bearing delrin rings fabricated
2 linear-rail-12 angle fabricated
2 linear-rail-18 angle fabricated
20 linear-rail support fabricated
4 coupling-nut-clamp angle fabricated
4 leadnut-mount fabricated
8 shaft-mount angle fabricated
2 belt-clamp angle fabricated
2 belt-clamp retainer fabricated
2 belt-clamp belt pad fabricated
3 motor-mount-nema23 fabricated
4 captive-nut angle fabricated
1 dremel-mount fabricated
2 channel-2 fabricated
1 acrylic table 6x8 fabricated
4 delrin nut 1/4-20 fabricated
1 XL240 belt SDP-SI
1 XL280 belt SDP-SI
1 XL400 belt SDP-SI
6 pulley XL10T SDP-SI
8 bearing #R188-2RS http://www.vxb.com/page/bearings/PROD/kit807
16 bearing #R3-2RS http://www.vxb.com/page/bearings/PROD/kit715
16 precision shim 10 http://www.mcmaster.com/#91140A255
2 thrust bearing 1/4ID http://www.mcmaster.com/#6655K13
6 motor coupling hub http://www.mcmaster.com/#6408K913
3 motor coupling spider http://www.mcmaster.com/#6408K61
2 threaded rod 36L http://www.mcmaster.com/#98841A029
2 screw 1/4 3L http://www.mcmaster.com/#91440A554
20 hex nut 1/4 http://www.mcmaster.com/#90480A029
40 square nut 1/4 http://www.mcmaster.com/#94855A127
4 coupling nut 1/4 http://www.mcmaster.com/#90264A435
8 hex nut 1/4 nylon http://www.mcmaster.com/#94900A029
10 spring washer 1/4 http://www.mcmaster.com/#91102A750
16 screw 10-24 3/8L pan http://www.mcmaster.com/#90272A240
50 screw 10-24 3/8L bsc2 http://www.mcmaster.com/#92949A240
100 screw 10-24 1/2L bsc http://www.mcmaster.com/#92949A242
20 screw 10-24 3/4L bsc http://www.mcmaster.com/#92949A245
20 screw 10-24 1L bsc http://www.mcmaster.com/#92949A247
10 screw 10-24 3/4L flat http://www.mcmaster.com/#92210A245
200 hex nut 10-24 http://www.mcmaster.com/#90480A011
40 washer 10 http://www.mcmaster.com/#91083A011
50 screw 6-32 1/8L bsc http://www.mcmaster.com/#92949A141
20 screw 6-32 1/4L bsc http://www.mcmaster.com/#92949A144
18 screw 6-32 3/8L bsc http://www.mcmaster.com/#92949A146
50 screw 6-32 1/4L nylon http://www.mcmaster.com/#97263A144
8 spacer 025-05 1/4H nylon http://www.mcmaster.com/#94639A569
8 spacer 025-05 1/8H nylon http://www.mcmaster.com/#94639A567
12 neoprene washer http://www.mcmaster.com/#90133A017
6 rubber grommet http://www.mcmaster.com/#9600K66
6 screw 10-24 3/4L nylon http://www.mcmaster.com/#97263A245
6 hex nut 10-24 nylon http://www.mcmaster.com/#94900A011

1 source - retail source for DIY/set extension/part replacement. Some kit parts are sourced in bulk and may differ from parts linked here.
2 bsc - button socket cap

Changelog

  • 04/29/13: updated source for XL10 pulley
  • 03/17/13: added channel-2, updated Used In
  • 02/10/13: updated part list and qtys: neoprene/steel washers, square nuts, delrin nuts, 3/8" screws
  • 10/28/12: update with pics, component list, corrected part list, warnings/expectations, known issues.
  • 10/24/12: initial release
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