Shafts & Bearings
Hex shafts, bearings, and bushings — how rotation gets carried and supported.
01
Shafts Carry Rotation
A shaft passes spin from one part to the next.
- Hex shafts are standard in FRC — 1/2 in and 3/8 in flat-to-flat.
- Rounded hex (Thunderhex) eases assembly into round bearings.
- Model them with AltSkripts Shaft Endings for clean chamfers.
FUSION 360 · SCREENSHOT
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FIG 1
02
Bearings & Bushings
Bearings let a shaft spin freely; bushings are the budget option.
- 1/2 in hex bearings for hex shafts; round bearings for rounded hex.
- Bushings (bronze or Delrin) are cheap, self-lubricating, low-friction.
- Use bushings for low-RPM spots — pivots and linkages.
FUSION 360 · SCREENSHOT
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FIG 2
Key idea
Hex to transmit torque, bearings to spin free.
Round where it must rotate, hex where it must drive.
Recap
SHAFTS & BEARINGS
- Hex shafts: 1/2 in and 3/8 in, standard
- Bearings spin the shaft; bushings for low RPM
- Rounded hex eases round-bearing assembly
- Shafts via AltSkripts, bearings from FRC-COTS
Your Task
Build this
- Model what this lesson covers in Fusion 360.
- Use the AltSkripts tools where they apply.
- Save it with a clear name.
How to submit
- In Fusion: Share → Public Link → Copy.
- Paste the link below.
- A coach reviews it in AltHub.