Re: RotoBot hexapod - joints

Here is an idea.

Use ball transfer units (ball rollers used for moving heavy items)as
a basis for ball joints. They are cheap and available in a range of
sizes and mounting types. Obviously they could not be used as-is but
they are a ready made assembly which could be stripped out.

You could then put better inserts in and a ball with a threaded hole.

The inserts could either be machined from delrin on a CNC and then
polished up with an abrasive compoind and the right sized ball or
perhaps even cast from molgice.

Then you might even be able to add a preload mechanism. A spring
that would continuely try and tighten the "lid" of the ball transfer
unit.

I am going to buy a couple and see that they are like. A good
selection can be had from www.rswww.com

Cheers,

Graham