Gyro Gyro Gyro

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The goal for this project was to create a custom press fit gyroscopic top using the machines such as lathes and waterjets then pressfitting the pieces together. The spinning top would be cut by the water jet with a unique design and afterwards pressed fit onto a bearing, finally we would lathe a custom shaft that press-fits into the ball bearing completing the project.

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Design Process

The body was a predetermined shape size of a circle with a diamter of 3.25 inches and a center diameter of .25 inches. However, we did come up with a custom pattern for the gyro that was equidistant throughout the body in order to propperly distribute weight which was cut using the water jet. The shaft however, we designed by first taking an approximate measurement using micrometers. Then, coming up with a CAD design which we then used as a reference for making the shaft. We used a band saw to cut the shaft to the predetermined size and used the lathe to shape the shaft to press fit into the bearing and bearing.

Tools/Machines

Final Product

This project was a very important project for my engineering journey where we applied our knowledge of CAD skills, use of a lathe, bandsaw, waterjet, and CNC. I struggled with building my shaft for the body and had to restart due to miscalculations. I also ran into the problem of the press fit being too tight so I had to use lubrication. If I were to redo this project again I would ensure exact calculations for the press fit and precision when lathing. Overall the project was a success and worked very well.

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