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General Information

Model ID

3DPX-012399

Category

Labware & Devices

Keyword(s)

wave gauge, wave tank, adjustable, brackets, 8020, labwar

Purpose of device: The wave tank at Michigan Tech University requires wave gauges to be mounted across the water. The mounting system consists of 8020 that crosses the tank. Currently, they are putting a block underneath the cross member on each side to raise the wave gauges. This mounting system will allow for a more secure, more easily adjustable, and more accurate method to raise and lower the cross member, allowing the gauges to be located at different heights in the water. The individual adjuster will allow individual adjustability of each wave gauge along the cross member if each must be mounted at different heights. **A graphical explanation of the existing wave tank mounting system can be found in the first image of the "Extras" tab which shows the wave tank as well as images of how the mounting system assembly goes together**
Adjustability: The height of the middle block can be changed depending on the desired height adjustment for a test. The length of the individual adjuster and the number of slots can also be adjusted depending on the desired height difference for a test. Tolerance can be adjustable as well based on printer capabilities through modifying the extrusions and sketches within the model.
Cost comparison: Printed version = $5.30, Custom Machined version = $878.62. Savings: $873.32
- The following are the prices to print each component:
  - Top slide: $0.92
  - Middle block: $0.58
  - Bottom slide: $0.90
  - Individual Adjuster: $0.50
  - Or a total of $4.80 for a functional set of blocks (2 of each type of block, or one set to raise each side of the cross member) + however many of the individual adjusters are necessary*(0.50). If only accounting for a set of blocks and one individual adjuster, the grand total is $5.30
- There is not a similar system made for the same purpose available commercially, so a custom set would have to be made. It also would need to be made from a material with corrosion resistance such as 6061 Aluminum. Prices on Aluminum able to be machined for this purpose were found from McMaster Carr
  - Each individual adjuster requires one 1/4" thick, 2" wide, 6" long piece of aluminum found here for $3.10 each
  - To make a fully functional set of blocks (6 pieces, 2 of each block type) it would require one piece of 1.5" thick, 1.5" wide, 24" long Aluminum found here for $35.52
  - Machining would also need to be factored in, and for parts with these profiles, it could require around 14 hours of labor in the shop (4 hours per bottom and top slide, 2 hours for the middle block, and 2 hours for an individual adjustment bracket) at $60 per hour, equating to $840 in labor
  - Therefore, a grand total for a full set if only one individual adjuster is required is $878.62 for a custom machined set of this kind

How to Make

Recommended 3D Printer(s)

Thermoplastic extrusion, single extruder

Recommended Printing Material

PLA

Recommended Support Material

PLA

Print Units

Pre- and Postprocessing Instructions

Print Setup: See the "Extras" tab for the proper orientation to print each component. Models were created in FreeCAD with a 0.5 mm tolerance. Printed with an AthenaII printer using 1.75 mm PLA. In the pictured orientations, the top slide requires support within the rectangular cutout, the middle block requires support surrouding the extrusion, and the bottom slide requires support along the bottom face of the extrusion.
Cura settings: 0.15 mm Layer height, 0.38 mm line with, 0.8mm wall thickkness, 25% infill density (grid pattern) 205 dC print temp, no build plate adhesion.
Use pliers to remove the supports and file the edges for a smooth fit.
Images of how the blocks assemble and fit together can be found at the end of the "Extras" tab

Adjustable Wave Gauge Mounting System

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