Parametric xTool RAX Rotary Drinkware Adapters (RA3 and RA2 with magnetic chuck jaws)

Motivation

xTool rotaries (RA2 and RA3) work well for many objects, but some drinkware can be difficult to mount. Externally, the surface is frequently threaded, tapered, textured, coated, or otherwise less than ideal for consistent rotary mounting. The jaws themselves can also interfere with proper laser operation. Internally, threads can reduce jaw or peg engagement, engagement depth may be limited, and tapers can convert the radial force of the rotary into an axial force causing the drinkware to slide off.

Many drinkware products already include a threaded or insert-style interface intended for their lids. I wanted to leverage these existing features to create secure mounting adapters.

While rotary drinkware adapters are certainly not a new concept, I also wanted the design to serve as a customizable template that could be quickly modified for virtually any style of drinkware, reducing both the effort and cost required to create new adapters. At the time of this design, an adapter design compatible with the xTool RA3 peg style interface also did not exist yet.

Solution

Design and print drinkware adapters to accomplish the following objectives:

• Fully parametric providing customization of all dimensions, tolerances, and labels

• Two variants

  • Threaded adapter for internally threaded drinkware interfaces

    • (optional) Knurled section and finger slots for better grip

    • (optional) Stop section

  • Insert adapter for push fit lid drinkware interfaces

    • (optional) Gasket can be printed in TPU or the gasket from the manufacturer's lid can be used as the gasket

• Compatible with RA3 stock jaws and v2.0 of my RA2 Magnetic Chuck Jaws

• Pegs printed separately avoiding supports, providing configurable dimensions for proper chuck jaw channel fitment, and allowing for easy repairs if the pegs break

• Zero interference with the laser operations

• Low profile

• Minimum material usage

Design

• Pegs

  • 35 total peg models are included (in the PrusaSlicer project file only) to cover all combinations of the following variables

    • Five thread tolerance options (-0.050 to +0.050 mm) for tuning peg-to-adapter fitment. Tighter = more positive. In my experience, with proper alignment and some pliers, the peg that is at least one step tighter than the peg I can fully install snug by hand is the best fit.

      

    • Seven bottom diameter options (5.85 to 6.15 mm) for tuning peg-to-chuck jaw channel fitment. Please read the post-processing section as the seam can make a substantial difference in the proper fitment.

  • (optional) Pegs have slots at the non-threaded end. This allows for the installation of two 4x2 (nominal) circular magnets. In my experience, since the pegs are rigidly connected with the adapter, the magnets are not necessary, but some may like that feature so I left it in.

Customization

Obviously the two provided models will only work for those drinkware styles and sizes – YETI Rambler 20 oz.

The Fusion files for each drinkware variant are included. You can customize the parameters (DESIGN | SOLID | MODIFY | Change Parameters) as necessary for your drinkware. When you open the Parameters dialog, first sort by name. The parameters most optimized for customization are favorited and commented in detail to help you. The non-favorited parameters should work as well but may require more tinkering to repair broken downstream features.

Some of the AdapterExternalThread########## parameters warrant a little more explanation since these terms could be confusing when using them for the first time. This schematic depicts basic thread terms.

• DiameterMajor – Wall-to-wall (innermost) diameter

• DiameterMinor – Crest-to-crest (outermost) diameter

• Only two of these three measurements are used to define the basic thread dimensions. Choose the two you can measure most accurately:

  • Height – Axial length between a point on the thread profile to the end of the threads at the corresponding point.

  • Pitch – Axial length between a point on the thread profile to the end of the threads at the corresponding point.

  • Revolutions – How many rotations the thread completes within the thread length or at the thread pitch. If you use this parameter, you must also change the Coil feature in the Threaded Section group to use it instead of one of the other two.

There is a suppressed shallow cut extrusion feature at the end of the timeline for the labels. Unsuppress that feature if you intend to print your custom adapter with debossed text. You can also Unsuppress and change the feature to generate New Bodies instead of a Cut operation for multi-color printing. The two included models are provided with and without debossed labels.

Autodesk Fusion is free for hobby use. But, with highly parameterized templates like the two I provided, you should be able to easily design any adapter with some careful calipered measurements and maybe a little prototyping…that is why you bought a 3D printer after all, right?! 😉 When you’re done customizing the design, to export it, you just expand the Bodies section of the Browser tree, right-click on ‘Adapter’, select ‘Save As Mesh’, Change the format to 3MF, click ‘OK’, check ‘Save to my computer’ at the bottom, Choose your location in the dialog to the right, and click ‘Save’.

Of course, if you care to learn more about Fusion, there are many options available. I personally recommend the Learn Autodesk Fusion 360 in 30 Days for Complete Beginners course at Product Design Online.

Let me know (Messenger | Printables.com) if you have any questions.

Printing

See the attached .3mf for my settings and model orientation. I used four perimeters for the adapters and 100% perimeters for the pegs.

I designed and prototyped the accessories on a Prusa CORE One

Post-Processing

   Seams and Tight Tolerances

• The pegs and boss threads are intentionally designed with tight tolerances. Therefore, the following steps are recommended:

  • The seam line adds ~0.10-0.15 mm to the diameter. Remove them as much as possible from the non-thread end of the pegs. I was able to easily remove them using a file. Sandpaper could also be used.

  • Even after sanding, the pegs may be a little tight. Gradually continue to sand them until a proper fit is achieved. Once they fit (even if a little snug), continued use should eventually smooth out any remaining inconsistencies. You can also use a slightly smaller peg diameter from the provided models or adjust in the Fusion file and reprint.

Assembly

1. Thoroughly clean up the adapter and pegs (see post-processing above)

2. Insert a peg in any of the adapter threads from the flat side of the adapter. The must snug fit may take a couple times to get the threads to engage initially. Confirm the peg is perpendicular to the back of the adapter. With pliers, continue to tighten the peg until the thread end of the peg is just below flush with the top of the boss on the inside of the adapter.

3. If you have a stock RA3 peg, use it to check the installed leg of the printed peg. Screw or unscrew the peg as necessary to achieve the proper length.

Installation

The rotary jaws must be set to the same diameter specified in the PegCenterlineDiameter parameter. This is 40.0 mm by default which is compatible with the RA3 and BCD and CD variants of the RA2 magnetic chuck jaws. If you customize an adapter and change this parameter, please pay special attention to the PegCenterlineDiameter Comments.

Once inserted, tighten or loosen the chuck to exert a slight force on the pegs. If properly supported, you should not need to excessively tighten the chuck.

Questions

Please let me know if you have any questions (Messenger | Printables.com).

Shameless Plug

If this model helped you solve a problem, save some time, or in any way made your life a little easier then please consider clicking the Like button and posting your Makes! If it fell short after clicking on the title of the model, please let me know (Messenger | Printables.com). Either way, Thank you!