Rolling Ball Clock (Balls always jamming)
Hi
has anyone else had this problem?
Every morning the clock has stopped due to the chrome balls sticking on the upper ball ramp.
I have checked all the sizes of the metals balls and all are 18.8 to 18.9mm.
I have reprinted the upper ball ramp 1% bigger in X&Y still the same problem.
I have reprinted in metal type filament as that seems to give a very smooth finish, but still the same result.
Always seem to stick on the bends.
I have checked for rough areas.
I have printed on Bambu Lab X1C Also On H2D.
I have now run out of ideas, can anyone offer advise.
Cheers
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I have noticed it as well. The effect is exaggerated by the ball limiter that allows the balls to creep forward instead of jumping by a full ball width each time a ball drops. This creeping motion gives the balls more chances to find a bump or a flat spot where they can rest.
The upper ball ramp has a 3 degree slope with the balls rolling along the 45 degree surfaces. The lower curves have a larger radius than the upper curves so the slope might be just under 3 degrees.
Possible fixes may include:
1) Sanding the 45 degree slopes anywhere a ball stops.
2) Removing all oil from the balls and any that may now be on the tracks.
3) Adding oil to the balls, although I suspect this might make it worse.
4) Redesigning the upper ball ramp with steeper slopes.
The first two options might solve the problem.
The last option might be the best long term alternative. The clock would either have to be made taller or one spiral loop would need to be removed. Removing one spiral is the least intrusive since only the upper ball ramp would need to change. It might limit the clock to a 30 hour runtime using 100 balls.