Rod end experts -- got a question

[parsonsj]

I'm looking for a 1/4" or 3/8" rod end that is rated for rotational use. It needs to support 100 rpm or so, though that's just for peak usage. Normal usage is much slower.

Anybody got any ideas or contacts?

thanks!

jp

[Bryce]

There is a chinese company that makes a high speed rod end. It has a ball race around the outside. But you have to order a lot. the only other solution is to use a bronze bushing (oilite) and replace over time.

[Bryce]

http://www.zhbearing.com/en/cp-1.asp

This is the only place I could find this style of bearings. I needed one for a project at work and ended up going another direction because I couldnt not opbtain these.

[parsonsj]

Looks promising, but are these rated for rotation? I guess that's why they use roller bearings...

[parsonsj]

I just found these (thanks for the hint Bryce) at McMaster. (http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/116/1176/=712djp) Though they don't say rated for rotational use.

Oh: and they cost $100. :eek:

jp

[John Wright]

Are you building a steam engine?....LOL

[parsonsj]

No, lol!

It's for wiper motor linkage for Unfair.

[Bryce]

I just found these (thanks for the hint Bryce) at McMaster. (http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/116/1176/=712djp) Though they don't say rated for rotational use.

Oh: and they cost $100. :eek:

jp


I guess you can include another Engineer on your build HAHA!

[mikeybigblock]

www.applied industrial.com and contact the local service center.

[mikey]

Try here they supply alot of the racers with ends they may be able to help you outhttp://rodendsupply.com/

[Bryce]

rod end supply sponsors my buddies trophy truck. Great rodends!

[parsonsj]

Thanks guys. I checked it out. No ball-bearing versions. I'll bet they can get them, but I doubt they can offer them in a less expensive version.

jp

[John Wright]

Still looking for that connecting rod to use on your steam engine?...LOL

Just curious, how much articulation(swivel) will this rod end require?...and will it be in only one plane?

I'm picturing a situation where the motor and the linkage are not in a perfect parallel plane, hence the need for some articulation in the rod end.

[parsonsj]

I'm picturing a situation where the motor and the linkage are not in a perfect parallel plane, hence the need for some articulation in the rod end.Exactly. We've got a wiper motor bolted to sheet metal moving linkage that moves in an arc also bolted to sheet metal. So we need some "forgiveness", plus the ability to support full rotation for hours at 100 rpm.

However, the crappy stuff GM used (steel ball with stamped steel socket, held together with rivets) has us thinking we may be over-engineering.

jp

[fordsbyjay]

There is not really much load so not just try a regular or teflon lined unit and see how long it lasts. The factory just uses a nylon bushing in that application so I don't know why a rod end would fail?

[John Wright]

There is not really much load The car is in Fla, so it isn't like he will be worried about heavy, wet snow loads on the wipers blades....LOL
Go on JP....DUIT....find some factory linkage that is the right length and git-r-dun.

[elitecustombody]

I haven't used wipers in Florida for couple years on my Supra and drive it everyday,rain or shine, I don't even see why you guys need wipers . Hurricane rescue vehicle?

[parsonsj]

Hurricane rescue vehicle?Damn right. 200 mph, 8s, road racing hurricane rescue vehicle. LOL!

Seriously, we want to offer our solution as a kit for sale. It will need to support heavy, wet snow, hours of heavy rain, and other nasty weather scenarios in order for us to offer the kit in good faith. That's why I'm on the prowl for an elegant and sturdy solution.

jp

[PhillipM]

Should be cool. Can't wait to see what you guys come up with.

[wiedemab]

Just brainstorming, but could you use a ball and socket in combination with a rotational bearing?

I've always wanted to incorporate some of this stuff into a project.

http://www.igus.com/default.asp?C=US&L=en

[parsonsj]

We are using plastic (nylon) rod ends for the non-rotational linkage, and experimentation (running the motor for hours with 14.5V) tells us that a bronze lined rod end should be good enough for the rotational requirement. Given all that, we're unsure right now if we'll offer a kit for general sale.

jp