Parametric ball bearing using 6 mm ASG pellets

This design is a Fusion 360 file. The project allows for printing cheap ball bearings using only 6 mm ASG pellets. I managed to create reliable design easy to modify. 

How to use “user parameters”:

In Fusion 360 go into “MODIFY > Change Parameters”. This should open up new window with self-explanatory parameters bearing_outer_diameter, bearing_inner_diameter and bearing_height. 
Parameter bearing_ball_amount_modifier can be used to increase or decrease amount of bearing balls in final design. I am using complicated looking equation in bearing_ball_amount, using the modifier can easly change the amount.
The bearing was so far tested on 6 mm ASG pellets but should also work with metal bearing ball. Changing bearing ball diameter should also be possible but I do not own other hardware.

I advise to keep in mind that putting in garbage parameters might break the design. I consider 608 bearing the smallest possible design using above file. The difference between inner and outer radius is ½*(22 mm-8 mm) = 7 mm. Using 6 mm bearing ball makes the walls 0.5 mm thick. Keep that in mind. Also the 7mm height is the smallest I advice using.

Printing parameters:

I recommand using 0.15 layer height with 4 perimeters for optimal strength. Some cleaning might be required after printing (especially with PETG).

Assembly:

After priting all parts, you will need to push bearing balls into the retainer between inner and outer ring. Allign all 3 parts so the notch on both rings is matching with space for the ball in retainer. Then just push the bearing ball in place. Rotate the retainer and repeat for next ball.

TODO:

• add photos
• test with 4 mm metal bearing ball

Edit history:

• 14.08.2023 - design published