3d Printed Motion Calibration Jigs

Small but Mighty!

These 3D Motion Calibration Jigs are exactly what's needed when you want to create a device that has linear or rotational motion.

When teaching a class of High School students about Engineering Precision - we thought it might be a great idea to discuss calibration. In other words - if I want something to slide (linear motion) or turn (rotational motion) I inow I have to make the peg smaller than the hole - but how much smaller?

By printing a 3D Calibration Jig, I can get a real feel for how an object will move after it is printed. I can decide if I want it:

• Loose, so it rattles
• Easy to move
• Tough to move
• Tight, so it's hard to remove
• So tight I won't even need glue!

The steps to do so are simple, and you should create a different calibration jig for different printers and materials.

Here are the first few steps of how to draw your calibration Jig in Fusion 360.

You have to start with a sketch, and then extrude it to create a peg.

The extrusion process is simple, and it is pretty much the same no matter which 3D editing software you use. A 3D mouse can definitely speed up the process!

These final touch up steps finish your peg.

Once you finish your peg, you'll be putting it on a platform for stability.

Just continue your peg creation process, using slightly different diameters, and then create another peg with a hole which you will use to try each peg and see the rotational motion that works best for your device.

The same design method is used for linear motion 3D calibration jigs, except now rectangular pegs are used.

The fun part is to see all the students actually hold the simple item in their hands and use it to design their own moving 3D object.

Some of these students have even entered an Instructables contest on 3D motion - using these very same calibration jigs.

If this contest entry wins, the prize will go to this great group of students