3D Printed Hardware Sorter Keeps It Simple
Originally published on hackaday.com by Dan Maloney on 2 November 2024
EmGi created a 3D-printed mechanical bolt sorter designed to organize M3 cap head bolts by length. Inspired by sorting mechanisms from manufacturing lines, the machine is entirely 3D-printed and operates manually.
The sorting process begins with a hopper filled with mixed-length bolts. Two elevating platforms lift the bolts onto a slotted feed ramp. The bolts hang by their heads and slide into a fixture that reorients them through a 90° arc, aligning them for sorting. A long ramp with progressively longer slots allows bolts to roll until they reach a slot that matches their length. Once aligned, the bolts drop into the appropriate bin below. Nuts can also pass through the system and are sorted into their own bin.
The design prioritizes simplicity and efficiency. Though the machine is currently limited to sorting M3 cap head bolts, the design could be adapted for other fastener sizes or styles with slight modifications. Its manual operation makes it an accessible solution for anyone looking to organize hardware without investing in complex machinery.
This project showcases the versatility of 3D printing for creating practical tools and could be a game-changer for anyone tired of rummaging through mixed bins of hardware.
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