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PROJECT

Needle Actuator for Kensington Record Player

Date March 11, 2024
Designer Caleb Mueller

Objectives & Constraints

  • Objective: Create a 3D printed polycarbonate actuator, modeled from a broken piece
  • Constraints: Must fit a press-fit metal bearing from the original

Materials & Tools

  • Software: Autodesk Fusion
  • Materials: Polycarbonate filament
  • Equipment: Bambu Lab X1C 3D printer and digital calipers

Phases of Development

01
I. Measurement
  • The broken piece was temporarily glued back together and measured using calipers, then proufb01le pictures were taken for reference.
02
II. CAD Modelling and Prototyping
  • The actuator was modeled in Fusion using measurements and proufb01le pictures as canvases for the more complex shapes.
03
III. Printing of Final Products
  • The model was printed using PC ufb01lament and supports on a Bambu Lab X1-Carbon 3D printer. The original metal bearing was press ufb01t into the replicated actuator.

Skills Developed

Modeling of a complex shape using canvases 3D printing of a complex shape with support structures Tolerances for press-fit metal

Support & Resources

  • Client Sydney Philpott provided photos of the ufb01nished product in use on the record player/turntable

Product Images

3D printed actuator in-use on the record player/turntable

Client Feedback

The piece fit well into the record player, and it moves the record player arm like the old broken piece was meant to do!

— Sydney Philpott