Just sharing this for fun more than anything...
I know I dont know enough to apply the simulations to obtain reliable results yet... but I like that if I start this I can count on critical feedback from some smart people...Is that really how your loads will be applied?
Is the mill a perfect fit on the top?
Is the mill base cast iron with low deformability vs the tubing?
I'd bet it is, so you should only have 4 corner loads and nothing in the middle.
In other words prolly even more over designed than your result..... LOL!
Will Fusion 360 do dynamic analysis too?
Just for poop and giggles, you should try changing material specs and dimensions.
I know, I was just saying I lack the skill set to make the best use of it yet..Personally I'm interested in this kind of thing. I think its untapped potential of CAD programs. Yes I know, garbage in, garbage out, dangerous in the wrong hands etc. But at least its a starting point.
Is the color shading legend showing calculated (safety factor) multiplier based on max stress of material you have specified? ie 8.93 = blue, red would be 16? Can it provide deflection?
I know I dont know enough to apply the simulations to obtain reliable results yet... but I like that if I start this I can count on critical feedback from some smart people...
This would be a good approach for a ‘low volume’ support stand.As I'm sure you already know, experience is everything. WAAAY better than education.
In industry we used an iterative approach to stress and function analysis. First you model the part and do your analysis with best guesses based mostly on experience. Then you make a prototype and test it. Then you change the model parameters till the model gets the same results as the real world tests. Then more model changes to get closer to the Design goals, then more testing, and more modelling revisions. At some point you have to go with it. But using this method you can use your models to test thousands of different scenarios to optimize the results and address issues with just a few costly prototypes. When it's all done, you do confirmation tests on production parts. Then you wait till the customer proves you got it all wrong......
The loads will be applied evenly to the top surfaces of the stand because I’m putting a 1/2” steel plate on top. Obviously the deformations are exaggerated (the max less than .001”) and the weight distribution is not necessarily even because of the column of the mill.Is that really how your loads will be applied?
The loads will be applied evenly to the top surfaces of the stand because I’m putting a 1/2” steel plate on top. Obviously the deformations are exaggerated (the max less than .001”) and the weight distribution is not necessarily even because of the column of the mill.
We intuitively know there should be some perimeter bracing like red lines to box in the legs.
All valid points, safety factor is what I wanted to check because I wasn’t sure if 1/8” tubing would be sufficient to handle the weight. I still need to add support beams down below to prevent tipping as I do not intend on bolting the stand down for now.1/2" steel plate eh..... Woah!
I'm actually on the same page as @LenVW. I was just sharing how industry would do it cuz @TorontoBuilder was wondering about the process.
In addition to the balance (tipping factors) and bolt torque that Len mentions, it's also good to think torsional momentum - what would happen if the spindle grabs?
1/2" plate eh...... Ya, no worries about underdesigned....
I think you are right.Other than for long spindly legs that buckle or fold, I doubt such braces do much good at all. Unless there are none at the bottom in which case they do provide a benefit but not as much as bottom braces would.
I make my own.As I continue fine tuning this design, I wonder if anyone knows where I can source machine leveling feet? The stuff I can find on Amazon seems very flimsy. I initially wanted leveling casters but now that I got a 1 ton shop crane I just want to be able to level the stand as my garage floor is heavily sloped.
I wonder if anyone knows where I can source machine leveling feet?
The last one is sort of like the style I was saying to make, but beefier.You can make your own as @TorontoBuilder suggests or you can get a set of these. They are available in stud or plate versions. These ones are 4400 pounds - hardly flimsy..... LOL
VEVOR Heavy Duty Leveling Caster Set, 4 – Pack 2.5'' Self Leveling Casters, 4400LBS Max Loading Capacity, 1.2'' x 1.38'' Machine Casters Stem, for Moving Industry Equipment, Workbench, Shelves, White : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement
VEVOR Heavy Duty Leveling Caster Set, 4 – Pack 2.5'' Self Leveling Casters, 4400LBS Max Loading Capacity, 1.2'' x 1.38'' Machine Casters Stem, for Moving Industry Equipment, Workbench, Shelves, White : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvementa.co
I also like these that can be Bolted to the outside of your frame for extra stability. Again 4000 pounds.
If you search "machine leveling" on amazon, there are millions of choices all plenty strong enough.
On the issue of overhead crane vs wheels, I strongly recommend removable or liftable wheels. A crane isn't always convenient to use. I have one, and I like it. But nothing beats my loader tractor or a set of wheels!
Yes exactly why I scraped the wheels idea. I’ll eventually put proper caster but just to get up and running with the mill I wanted to simplify the build. I don’t trust my welding skills yet so I wanted to make something a little fool proof as well.I used them on a work bench, but they dont level well especially if you use them in a garage where they slope require by code if too high