25mm ball clamp for Underwater Photography strobe arm

thingiverse

Similar to INON, Ikelite, Sea&Sea, etc 25mm (or 1 inch for the Americans) ball joint for use with a underwater strobe arm. These things are typically anodized Aluminum and $25 each for the cheap Chinese versions and $50 for the USA company ones (Ikelite et al). Since you need 3 on each strobe arm, you can save some by making your own. Also: since they are made of ABS, they weigh less underwater (less weight, more buoyancy due to higher volume as plastic is not as strong as metal) NOTE: UNTESTED with branded equipment. Tested only with my own printed ball joints. Locks pretty tight, but not 100% perfectly rigid as would occur with metal arms/joints. IF YOU MAKE THIS, READ THE INSTRUCTIONS !!! Instructions 1) Print at 100% infill in ABS with the mating surfaces on top. Support needed for the back. Layer height is 0.1mm. DON'T THINK YOU CAN SKIMP ON THIS! 2) The bolt is a hex head M6 x 55mm LNG, 316 stainless 3) Use a Nylon washer between the Handle and the clamp. 12mm OD x 1.5m THK 4) Heat stake in a M6 x 12deep brass insert into the other end. Get it from McMaster-Carr. Part 94180A373. Careful, the M6 comes in two lengths, you want the 12.7mm one. 5) Spring from Amazon supply. I used part number B005S4IFDM, but you might want a stronger one.