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General Discussion

#AR4

Custom building this Arm

is possible to build this arm by just buying CAD FILES doing cnc machining and steppers from online and another parts sourcing locally , has anyone done like this.

  • 7 comments

Chris Annin

Hello, yes many people have built the arm this way.

Santhoshkumar Kumar

Chris Annin  thanks for your response
Hi, I’m looking to understand the complete part list of the AR4 MK3 robot arm.

  1. Where can I find the official part names or BOM (bearings, belts, pulleys, sprockets, chain, shafts, pins, screws, etc.) for the AR4 MK3?
  2. Also, are the AR4 MK3 CAD Models (SOLIDWORKS & .STEP files) available with detailed part names to help in machining parts?

Thanks in advance!

Chris Annin

Hello, yes you can find all the part detail in the build manual in the Bill of Materials section. The CAD model files are all names accordingly to the BOM in the manual.

Santhoshkumar Kumar

Chris Annin  thanks for your response
.Once after acquired the AR4 MK3 CAD Models (SolidWorks & STEP files) and I would like to proceed with CNC machining the aluminum parts.

Before starting, I wanted to confirm a few points:

  1. Are the provided CAD files fully suitable for CNC machining without additional modifications?
  2. Are there any specific parameters, tolerances, or machining requirements that I should provide to the CNC operator to ensure the parts assemble correctly?
  3. Do you have any recommendations or tips to maintain the precision and integrity of the robotic arm components during machining?

I appreciate any guidance or documentation you can share to ensure a smooth manufacturing process.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Chris Annin

Hello, the CAD models include the .sldprt and .step files so they should work with your CNC software. I dont have any specifics for parameters or machining requirements. I would just recommend making sure all the bearing race journals are a light press fit and the bearing posts are a slip fit.

Pierre-Alexandre Girard

Hi Santhosh,

I have done this twice already, here are the forum posts documenting my 2 builds.

First build: AR3 later converted to AR4: https://anninrobotics.com/forum/robot-builds/ar3-in-florida/

Second build, this summer with my nephew and his friend:

https://anninrobotics.com/forum/robot-builds/ar4-round-2-a-summer-project/#post-815

The machining from the CAD model is pretty straightforward and can be done with a 3 axis and a lathe. Please note that some parts need to be 3D printed (enclosure, covers)

Feel free to reach out if you have questions.

Steve

Pierre any chance you might be able to email me at fv2678jt@go.minnstate.edu ?regarding CNC segment.