Linear Actuator for IDC 2

In an effort to save money on supplies for my final IDC, I plan on using this mechanism to create a linear actuator.

I used a DC motor for this mini project, as I already used a stepper and a servo for my first IDC. The DC motor goes very fast so I will switch back to a stepper.

• 1x Arduino UNO board
• 1x PN2222 Transistor
• 1x Small 6V DC Motor
• 1x 1N4001 diode
• 1x 220 Ω Resistor
• PLA
• Breadboard

After recomendations from a friend, I started looking into a Rack and Pinion Mechanism to create my own linear actuator.

I found a couple different ones, but for testing purposes, I settled with the following and I edited the files to fit my purpose:

https://www.printables.com/model/217664-rack-and-pinion-plotter

My hope was to get the gear to rotate one direction to move the bar in one direction. With the DC motor, I did not have the supplies to have it move in 2 directions unfortunately, but with a servo, I could get it to rotate left and right.

I referenced the following circuit:

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/arduino/arduino_dc_motor.htm

4/12: Video will be added (DC motor broke so need to get a new one.)

With the DC motor, you can see it goes very fast, so I will be using a stepper for this project in the future.

As well, I have to slightly lift up the motor as it settles on the back of the housing unit and can't move. When I alter the design, I will have a box or peg to hold up the motor so I do not have to myself.