3D Printed Modular Arm Mounting System
An open-source project focused on creating an adaptable modular system for mounting items onto positionable arms with over 40+ parts available. Documentation packet and files are available for download.
Skills:
System Architecture, Documentation, DFM, Rapid Prototyping, Circuitry
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Background:
The original goal of this project was to create an arm for mounting a fan to help promote air circulation in my less-than-ideal air-conditioned dormitory room. This would eventually grow into a much larger project that not only now has support for fans, but also lighting, handles, electronics mounting, or anything else one might want to mount to the arm.
Features:
- 5 Available mounting Solutions
- 3 Available options for base connections
- 6 Standard attachment types (variants not included)
- 12 Optional accessories able to be mounted
- 40+ Total parts able to be downloaded
- Infinite assembly combinations
Design Criteria & Desicisions:
The original criteria of the arm system were as follows:
- Must be at least 1.5' in reach
- Must be able to be 3D printed and standard metric hardware
- Must be able to hold in place a 120mm PC case fan
- Must be detachable from its mounting solution to be moved around easily
After producing a minimal viable prototype that not only worked but exceeded my expectations, additional features slowly began to be added on, and the arm system was fleshed out. What started as simple assembly features became a standard means for mounting components with technical drawings and documentation.
All joints use M5 hardware and either locknuts or the combination of wingnuts and lockwashers to help deform the plastic slightly and clamp onto the other 3D printed member. This compliance is used in all joints, including hinges, ball & socket joints, and swivels. Additionally, some parts have optional variants for using M5 or M8 hardware as axial reinforcements for particularly high-load areas such as ball joints.