Practice: Dead Axle Rollers
Three identical rollers on a dead axle, belt-driven from one motor — and why standardizing parts beats minimizing them.
01
Dead Axle Rollers
Build a dead-axle roller mechanism: the rollers spin, the shaft stays still.
- Live axle spins the shaft; dead axle spins the part on a fixed shaft.
- On a dead axle, bearings ride inside the rotating roller.
- One motor, belts, three parallel rollers.
FUSION 360 · SCREENSHOT
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FIG 1
Key Specs
Geometry
- Rollers 2 in dia, 24 in long
- Motor 60 mm circle
- Equal-length parallel belt runs
Parts (FRC-COTS)
- Configurable rollers with HTD endcaps
- Belt drive via AltSkripts Belt Generator
- Custom round-ID spacers for the motor
Key idea
Make all three rollers identical.
Standard parts are easier to build and service than optimal ones.
02
Think About It
Sameness is a feature.
Why keep all three rollers identical even when the mechanism isn't symmetric? Think about ordering, spares, and assembling the night before a competition.
Recap
DEAD AXLE ROLLERS
- Dead axle: rollers spin on a fixed shaft
- Bearings live in the roller
- Standardize the three rollers
- Washers when bolting into poly
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.