Marblevator, Wheels

"Marblevator, Wheels" is yet another marble machine in my Marblevator series. This simple marble machine consists of nine easy to 3D print and assemble components. Inspired by a Lego version designed by PuzzLEGO, we did not possess the Lego parts to replicate the Lego version, so I designed, 3D printed and assembled this version, for the grandkids of course!

Designed using Autodesk Fusion 360, sliced using Ultimaker Cura 4.1.0, and 3D printed in PLA on Ultimaker S5s.

Thick cyanoacrylate glue.

I acquired an 8mm ball bearing from a local hardware store, then I 3D printed one each of all parts at .16mm layer height with 20% infill and no supports

Prior to assembly, I test fitted and trimmed, filed, drilled, sanded, etc. all parts as necessary for smooth movement of moving surfaces, and tight fit for non moving surfaces. Depending on your slicer, printer, printer settings and the colors you chose, more or less trimming, filing, drilling and/or sanding may be required to successfully recreate this model. I carefully filed all edges that contacted the build plate to make absolutely certain that all build plate "ooze" is removed and that all edges are smooth using small jewelers files and plenty of patience.

The model uses threaded assembly, so I used an 8mm by 1.25 tap and die for thread cleaning.

To assemble the model, I performed the following steps:

• Threaded "Knob.stl" into "Crank, Gear, Upper.stl".
• Inserted "Wheel, Upper.stl" into position in "Base.stl".
• Pressed "Gear, Upper (1.5m, 20t).stl" onto the upper wheel hexagonal shaft and rotated the upper wheel and gear such that the dot pointed straight down.
• Inserted "Wheel, Lower.stl" into position in the base assembly.
• Rotated the lower wheel such that the hexagonal shaft flat was horizontal, then pressed "Gear, Lower (1.5m, 20t).stl" onto the lower wheel hexagonal shaft such that the dot pointed straight up aligning with the dot in the upper gear.
• Threaded the crank assembly into the upper wheel.
• Threaded "Bolt, Gear, Lower.stl" into the lower gear.
• Applied small dots of thick cyanoacrylate glue to the face of the base assembly.
• Pressed "Base, Front.stl" onto the base assembly and held the assembly together until the glue set.

And that is how I 3D printed and assembled "Marblevator, Wheels". I hope you enjoyed it!