Parametric Ball Chain Pulley for Maker Projects

Design preview. Rendered from the file, not a photo.
This model is not currently offered as a verified ready to buy print.
What it does
- Drops into ball-chain mechanisms in CNC and art projects
- Parametric so you tune size and tooth count to your chain
- Saves the cost of a metal pulley for prototypes
- Frees your build from off-the-shelf size limits
Build with ball chain instead of belts. This parametric pulley fits ball-chain drives, so your CNC mechanism, kinetic art piece, or quirky robot can move with the satisfying tick of beads. Cheap, simple, and surprisingly capable.
The OpenSCAD source lets you tune the pulley to your exact chain size and the diameter you want. Print one for a prototype, three for a full machine, and dozens for a kinetic sculpture. The shape stays clean across sizes.
Great for makers, robotics tinkerers, and artists who like odd mechanical motion. The kind of part that opens up a new build style.
7.0k downloads in the maker community. That is interest in the design on the site it came from, not our sales.
What you get
- This design has 2 separate printed pieces.
- Nothing else to print or buy for this to work.
What it is made of
Designs like this print well in PLA. Compare the materials.
Printed plastic is strong for its size, but it is not metal. We have not load tested this design, so we do not publish a weight rating. Keep it out of a hot car and away from open flame.
More like this

Precision Measuring Tool Set - 3D Printed Workshop Tools
Design library

Resistor Lead Forming Tool, 3D Printed Workshop Helper
Design library

Center Finder Tool for Wood, Mark Perfect Midpoints Every Time
Design library

Hot Glue Gun Stand for Small Glue Guns, Compatible with Prusa
Design library

Drilling Jig with Integrated Dust Collector
Design library

Support for Dremel 4000, 3D Printed Workshop Tool
Design library

Cross Tweezer for Soldering, Normal Spring Tension
Design library

Bit Organizer for Dremel Rotary Tool Bits and Discs
Design library
Who made this design
Designed by zignig. We did not draw it.
Shared under GNU GPL. See the original design