Locking Ball and Socket Connector with specifications

thingiverse

NOTE: I've posted the camera mount: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1386744 I have been working to develop a type of connector that would allow a goose neck extension to be made for 3D printed devices. I've created a number of failures, so I decided to write down my requirements and start from scratch. Requirements: 1) It must be printable on as many 3D printers as possible. This means using PLA, and the connector must accommodate the limitations of the material. PLA does not flex well, and wears fairly easily. 2) It must be able to combine a bunch of small components together to make a long goose neck that can be flexed to a desired location, yet also have the resilience to hold as much weight as possible locked in place for an indefinite length of time, even when subjected to the continuous vibrations of an operating 3D printer. 3) It must define a standard for connecting devices to bases. This will allow the connector to be used on many different devices. 4) It must be printable without a need for removable supports. 5) It must be hollow to accommodate wiring. 6) It must be easy to use and reasonably attractive. It would be nice if it could print connector and lock ring together in a single print. With that, I have gone back to the drawing board for this connector. I am developing a connector that uses a ball and socket to link end to end and a twist collar that uses friction to tighten the socket around a ball to hold them immobile. I'll define the connectors by the diameter of the ball joint in millimeters and the distance between the centerpoints of the ball and the socket, also in millimeters. My first one as I work to test this will be "20x25". Print Settings Printer Brand: SeeMeCNC Printer: Rostock MAX Rafts: Yes Supports: No Resolution: 0.1 mm Infill: 100% Notes: The design was made for printing in PLA, but I will be testing it further in other materials. Post-Printing To give these a little more grab, you can just rub a thin layer of clear silicone adhesive around the outside of the upper ball and let it dry. Works wonders!