Newsgroups: comp.robotics.misc
Path: cantaloupe.srv.cs.cmu.edu!nntp.club.cc.cmu.edu!news.duq.edu!scramble.lm.com!nntp1.jpl.nasa.gov!news.magicnet.net!feed1.news.erols.com!news-peer.sprintlink.net!news.sprintlink.net!Sprint!ix.netcom.com!nagle
From: nagle@netcom.com (John Nagle)
Subject: Re: Molding polymers in the comfort of your own home
Message-ID: <nagleEDt8L5.ED0@netcom.com>
Organization: Netcom On-Line Services
X-Newsreader: NN version 6.5.0 CURRENT #9
References: <33d67087.512823180@newshost>
Date: Thu, 24 Jul 1997 06:27:05 GMT
Lines: 19
Sender: nagle@netcom6.netcom.com

mattd@congruent.xxx (Matt Daughtrey) writes:
>I'm thinking about building a walking robot using lead-screws for
>movement.  I want to keep friction down so I thought about molding
>some sort of plastic around the threaded rod, then baking it to
>harden.  Is this at all possible at home?  How about a polymer clay,
>like Fimo - that's easily baked, but would it be hard enough for this
>application (it will have to bear a load)?.  Any
>suggestions/experiences would be appreciated.

      That's a lousy way to make a nut.  Usually you drill and tap
a block of something.  Delrin and nylon are good choices.  There are
also recirculating ball screws, widely used for automobile steering.

      Berg (516-599-5010) offers good leadscrews.  Anybody doing
machine design should have their catalog around.

      For some recent legged machine designs, see "www.cim.mcgill.ca".

						John Nagle
