At last! I'm waiting impatiently for my order. I've already mentally sketched out four different designs using these new connectors. The new connectors look incredibly useful, and I will be happy to say goodbye to a lot of my use cases for the fiddly single T-nut. -D
Hmm. I'll have to design new gap caps for myself. The ones that are available are a bit reversed from what I want. They have a hole in the center that lets you run a screw through them. For most of my use cases, what I really want is a bump in the center of both sides so that it stays in place on its own with no need to screw it. -D
Argh. And now I've thought of a fifth design. You could build a Kossel on a hexagonal base. The three pillars could be placed on the center of three of the hexagon edges using pairs of 90 degree makerlink T-nuts. Do the same thing with the top. This is sturdier than a triangle base because each pillar is now held securely on both sides with two attachment points each rather than a single screw through the tapped end. Ok enough threadspam from me for today. Sorry. -D
Looks great, wonder how much stronger the Makerlink 90 degree inside corners are compared to the current Hidden inside corner connector
@Adam Filipowicz They look a lot stronger to me. Each one has two attachment points to each beam instead of one. Another interesting prospect is using all of these Makerlink items for quick-teardown projects. In any of the brackets, leave one end screwed in with set screws. For the other end (or ends), use thumb screws instead of set screws. Now you have a pair of beams which can be taken apart and put back together very fast with no tools. It seems like it would be faster and easier than doing the same thing with plates and double T-Nuts (let alone the fiddly single t-nuts). @MaryD BTW, you have some typos in your advertising copy. I have seen 'ridged' used instead of 'rigid' in at least a couple of places, including the 90 degree inside corner description. -D
Adam, @Mark Carew please correct me if necessary but the new MAKERLINK connectors are an economical solution that when paired together, can make a strong joint. The original hidden connector can stand alone where MAKERLINK required 2 connectors on a joint for strength.
Truly depends on the nature of the forces applied. For sliding forces the double set screw will offer twice the resistance. For prying forces there should be no appreciable difference as they will both pry out of the channel about the same. For bending forces, it Is hard to say without testing. The narrower and thinner corner of new model will obviously bend easier but at what point will the shorter leg length of original model simply pry itself out of the track? Hard to say but if you're trying to resist bending, this is the wrong connector anyway. Mary, you're photo above brings into question packaging quantities. A triangle using 60 degree corners will require lots of six at a time or for the two levels of a delta printer, twelve will be required so you can see the questionable rationale of a 10 pack when most people will need 12. Same goes for the 120 degree corners. Rick.
We really saw a lot of possibilities for machines and robotics and played with a lot of shapes ourselves prior to finalizing the product. Having said that, we've got your vote registered for 12 packs Rick.
My order's been placed, can't wait to get these. I've got three builds coming together slowly, two routers and a printer, and I can see a lot of places to use these.
