This is a fully 3d Printed gauge for displaying numbers between 0 and 10.
It uses a Nema 17 stepper motor, and features seperate LEDs for each number, as well as an additional LED spot in the bottom centre. To home the position of the needle, there is a internal limitswitch hidden in the back. The general build consists of 7 parts in total (excluding Motor, Limitswitch and LEDs):
- Shell: Holds the stepper motor, limitswitch and all the other components
- Gauge face: Front plate where the numbers are engraved.
- LED Holder: Holds all the 12 LEDs and splits up the light for each number on the face
- Divider: Seperates and channels all the wires from the LEDs so they dont get tangeled in the wiper
- Shaft: Connects the motor to the needle, and holds the wiper, that actuates the homing switch
- Needle: Points to the numbers
- Needle Cover: optional part that covers both the shaft and the needle to achieve a uniform look
Assembly:
First, install the limitswitch with 2x M2 bolts and nuts. There are recesses in the rear of the shell to make room for the boltheads, so they dont interfere with the motor. Then install the steppermotor with 3x M3 bolts. Now slide the shaft onto the stepper motor, making sure the wiper is aligned with the limitswitch.
The divider, LED holder, and gauge face (install them in this order) recieve 3x M2 heat set inserts each, so they can be slid into the shell and secured with their respective M2 bolts from the outside. Lasty the needle pressfits onto the shaft. Make sure the to half circles align, otherwise the needle's position may be incorrect. The needle cover can simply be glued to the shaft to make it look pretty.
The gauge face is 70mm in diameter and 5mm thick. The center hole for the shaft has a diameter of 10mm. The first hole for the heatset insterts is in the 6 o' clock position, and the other two are each offset by 61.5° from the 12 o' clock position. (in case somebody wants to desing a custom face).
So far i assembled a few prototypes that worked well, but have not yet built the final gauge. I have also never tested the LED capability, so I dont know if the individal lighting acutally works that well.
If any questions come up, feel free to conctact me.
Tags
Model Source
