Machined parts - motor shaft, motor pulley, and center pulley
ODRI Encoder Kit Option
Timing Belt Pulleys
Critical Design Considerations
For best performance, the tooth profile of the pulleys must be very precise. Two manufacturing methods are available:Option A: Form Cutter (Recommended)
This method uses a custom form cutter to machine the precise tooth profile.
Custom Form Cutter with AT3 tooth profile
Form Cutter Specifications:
- Shaft Diameter: 3mm
- Teeth: 3 teeth
- Helix Angle: 20 degrees
- Material to Cut: 7075 aluminum
-
Order Custom Form Cutter:
- Find a company that offers custom tooling and can produce custom form cutters
- Provide this technical drawing: PDF Drawing - Pulley AT3 T10 Form Cutter
- Specify that the tool will be used to machine 7075 aluminum
-
Machine the Pulleys:
- Send the custom form cutter and drawings to a machine shop
- Provide these technical drawings:
- Material: 7075 aluminum
Aluminum AT3 pulleys machined with custom form cutter
Option B: Wire EDM Cutting
Alternatively, the tooth profile can be generated using Wire EDM (Wire Electrical Discharge Machining).
Pulleys manufactured using Wire EDM
Considerations:
- Initial testing has been completed to evaluate this option
- Cost: No significant advantage over form cutter method
- Surface Finish: Much rougher surface compared to form cutter method
- Durability Concerns: Unknown effect on timing belt lifespan due to rougher surface
The form cutter method (Option A) is recommended as it provides superior surface finish and proven performance.
Remaining Machining Operations
After the tooth profile is created (using either method), the remaining machining steps are completed on a lathe:- Outer diameter finishing
- Bore diameter
- Hub features
- Face features
Motor Pulleys
Motor Pulley Specifications
Motor Pulley AT3 T10- Material: 7075 Aluminum
- Weight: 0.6g
- Teeth: 10 teeth, AT3 profile (modified)
- Technical Drawing: PDF Drawing - Motor Pulley
- Create tooth profile using custom form cutter (Option A) or Wire EDM (Option B)
- Complete remaining features on lathe
- Ensure tight tolerances on bore to fit motor shaft
Center Pulley Specifications
Center Pulley AT3 T10- Material: 7075 Aluminum
- Weight: 2.1g
- Teeth: 10 teeth, AT3 profile (modified)
- Technical Drawing: PDF Drawing - Center Pulley
- Create tooth profile using custom form cutter (Option A) or Wire EDM (Option B)
- Complete remaining features on lathe
- Ensure bearing seat dimensions are accurate
Motor Shafts
Precision ground motor shaft
Material Specifications
Stock Material:- Material: Precision Ground Stainless Steel Rod 1.4301 EN10278 h9
- Diameter: 4.0mm (actual diameter: 3.97mm - 3.99mm)
- Tolerance: h9
- Supplier: Weinmann Aach (Germany)
- Product Code: erd4
The stock material diameter (3.97mm - 3.99mm) fits the motor bearings without additional adjustments. This precision ground material saves machining time.
Motor Shaft Specifications
Motor Shaft- Material: Stainless Steel 1.4301 (4mm h9 precision ground rod)
- Weight: 3.2g
- Technical Drawing: PDF Drawing - Motor Shaft
- Start with 4mm h9 precision ground stainless steel rod
- Machine according to technical drawing
- Key features:
- Precise diameter for motor bearing fit
- Pulley mounting section
- Code wheel mounting section
- Shoulder dimensions
Machining Tolerances
Critical Tolerances
Ensure the following tolerances are maintained:| Feature | Tolerance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pulley tooth profile | ±0.05mm | Critical for belt engagement |
| Bearing seats | h7 | For proper bearing fit |
| Shaft diameters | h9 | For motor bearing and pulley fit |
| Concentricity | ±0.02mm | Between bearing seats and tooth profile |
Quality Checks
After machining, verify:- Tooth Profile: Check with timing belt for proper engagement
- Bearing Fit: Test fit bearings (should be light press fit)
- Concentricity: Measure runout with dial indicator
- Surface Finish: Ensure smooth surfaces on bearing seats
Material Properties
7075 Aluminum (Pulleys)
Properties:- High strength-to-weight ratio
- Good machinability
- Excellent fatigue resistance
- Lightweight (density: 2.81 g/cm³)
- T6 temper recommended for maximum strength
Stainless Steel 1.4301 (Motor Shaft)
Properties:- Corrosion resistant
- Good mechanical properties
- Precision ground surface finish
- Non-magnetic
- AISI 304
- EN 1.4301
Assembly Preparation
After machining, before assembly:- Deburr all edges - Remove any sharp edges or burrs
- Clean thoroughly - Remove all machining oils and debris
- Inspect dimensions - Verify all critical dimensions with calipers
- Test fit components - Verify fit with bearings and shafts before final assembly
Technical Drawing Summary
Total Weight of Machined Parts: 5.9g
Supplier Contact Information
Stock Material Supplier
Weinmann Aach (Germany)- Website: weinmann-aach.de
- Product: Precision Ground Stainless Steel Rod 1.4301 EN10278 h9 4.0mm (erd4)
- Ships within Europe
Form Cutter Manufacturers
Contact custom tooling companies that specialize in form cutters. Provide the technical drawing and specify:- Profile geometry per drawing
- 3mm shaft diameter
- 3 teeth
- 20° helix angle
- Material to be cut: 7075 aluminum
Machine Shops
Any qualified machine shop with:- CNC or manual milling capability
- Lathe capability
- Ability to hold tight tolerances (±0.05mm)
- Experience with aluminum and stainless steel
Cost Considerations
Form Cutter Method:- Higher initial cost (custom form cutter)
- Lower per-part cost for multiple units
- Better surface finish
- Faster production for quantities >10 units
- Lower initial tooling cost
- Higher per-part cost
- Acceptable for prototype quantities
- Rougher surface finish