Dual Stepper Motor Base

For the small-scale performance lab exercises, we provide laser-cut mounting stands incorporating two stepper motors and various pivot points. These could be the starting point for a variety of designs for small performance machines.

Dual stepper motor mount configured with the asymmetric feet with a two-link armature installed:

The SolidWorks model is available as dual-stepper-base.zip, or may be browsed as individual files in the dual-stepper-base folder.

Several 6 mm holes are provided as pivot points; these can be bridged using 6 mm shoulder screws, please see Prototyping Fasteners and Components for available parts).

Fabricated Parts

All fabricated parts are designed to be laser-cut from 6 mm plywood. The cutting patterns may be found in laser-cutter-DXF.

Quantity	File	Description
1	central-mount-motor.DXF	Vertical mounting plate with stepper motor mounting pattern.
1	central-mount-clearance.DXF	Vertical mounting plate with stepper motor clearance openings.
2	foot-back.DXF	Asymmetric foot.
2	string-lever.DXF	Pushrod lever to mount on stepper motor shaft.
2	foot-symmetric.DXF	Alternative symmetric foot.
3	linkage-bar.DXF	Example link for two-link armature.
1	pushrod-horn-lower.DXF	Example pushrod connector for two-link armature.
1	pushrod-horn-upper.DXF	Example pushrod connector for two-link armature.

Standard Parts

Quantity	Size	Description	Vendor	Vendor Ordering
12	M3 x 10	socket head cap screw, 2.5 mm hex socket	McMaster-Carr	91290A115
4	M3 x 14	socket head cap screw, 2.5 mm hex socket	McMaster-Carr	91290A119
4	M3	nut, 2.3 mm thick, 5.5 mm wide	McMaster-Carr	91828A211
1	6 mm x 40 mm	shoulder screw	Fastenal	40019
2	5mm x M3	mounting hub for 5 mm shaft, M3 holes on 12.7 mm circle, for stepper motors, includes 1.5 mm hex key for set screw	Pololu	1998
2	NEMA17	stepper motor, 76 oz-in (5.5 Kg-cm), 1.5 Amp/phase, M3 mounting holes, 5mm shaft	Automation Technology	KL17H248-15-4A

Assembly Notes

1. All fabricated parts are designed to be laser-cut from 6 mm plywood.

2. Please note that the foot exists in two configurations: the default is symmetric front and back, and an alternate version extending entirely to the rear.

3. Assembling the central-mount and feet requires four M3x14 or M3x18 screws and four M3 nuts.

4. Assembling the drive levers requires two Pololu 1998 hubs and four M3x10 screws.

5. The motors could also be installed on the opposite side to place the drive levers between the two vertical plates.

6. Links between the drive lever and a sculpture can either be fabricated as laser-cut wood or piano wire tie rods. For the latter, please see your instructor for the “hard wire kit.”

Leg Configurations