Showroom 6DOF Stewart AC Servo Motion Helicopter Simulator Build

Just before I finish the base, I wanted (as mentioned before) to assemble it all with rubber boots on the rod ends (i.e. heim/rose bearings).

I looked at many options online, and nothing I found made me happy and as far as I'm aware, there are no boots for the female version of the bearings. I'm sure they're out there but prohibitively expensive, or stupid delivery times.

I bought a few of the offerings, on offer, but they turned out to be IMO, rubbish.

So I'm working on this. It's not quite there yet, (I need to get the clearances closer to acceptable) but I've broken the back of it, and will tweak it tomorrow, before making a test mould.

I've bought a 2kgs of resin (to last over xmas), and a 1kg tin of liquid silicone rubber, so it's just a matter of a little more work.
I didn't want to finish the base and not be able to put it all together all greased up with dust covers.

More resin arrived today, but I did have enough to try a set of mold parts to explore.
First inner part (which I called the plug) I printed on it's side, as it doesn't like surfaces that eminate out into fresh air (well liquid resin actually) with no support, and although I added supports, it was a mess really.

The second was printed standing up, with stronger supports, which was quite successful.

The mold casing (times 2) printed just flat on the table, finished with no problems.

This exploration lead me to tweak clearances, make the sealing ribs larger and add a few more features.

I'm about to print another set of these, and attempt a first silicone pour.









I plan to assemble the mold, and pour in the silicone in the funnels (which enters the mold at the bottom, hopefully to eliminate/minimise any air bubbles), untill I see a witness at the four smaller holes.

If there is any problems with air bubbles, I will see if I can utilise my ultrasonic cleaner in some way to vibrate it? Well thats the plan anyway.