'Airsoft' Ball Bearing

A ball bearing designed to use Airsoft 6mm bb's instead of printing the balls. Snaps together and works very well!

This was a stepping stone to get to the fidget spinner I also posted, I figured why the heck not post this one too, it's pretty cool!

This bearing is a frankenstein, it has a ½" ID with a 1-3/8" OD (a mix between an R8 and R10 bearing size). These sizes were kind of necessary to keep the ball raceways strong. TBH, this bearing surprised me with how well it spun, it is very freewheeling! When I was looking for something to do with the idea it kind of directly lead me into a fidget spinner (also posted, I'll link it here if you want to see it).

https://makerworld.com/en/models/1237188-fidget-spinner-handheld-toy

I do plan on using this bearing, or bearing concept, in some future stuff so stay tuned.

The secret to how well it spins…? 6mm airsoft bb's. (ok, ok, I know it's technically cheating but they work so good! Let's just call it a Hybrid) I googled them, and supposedly they're made from either PLA or ABS which are two materials we're all quite familiar with, am I right? Anyways, why are you reading this? Just download and print them then see for yourself.

There are two sets of files here, one set of .stl and one set of .3mf, so whichever your preference is to put into your slicer.

Parts:

Each spinner consists of Qty 1 of each of the 2 files in the set.

Qty (1) - Cage (Bearing)

Qty (1) - Inner & Outer Races (Bearing)

You will also need Qty (8) Airsoft bb's of 6mm diameter. (if you don't have any, ask your nephew, cousin, neighbor, or any teenager they'll for sure know where some are).

If after asking around you still need airsoft bb's just google “Airsoft bb’s” to find a place near you, I would have included an Amazon link here but it was like 20 pages of jibberish… sorry.

Watch it spin!

Printing:

Print the 2 pieces in the orientations shown in the photos section, flat on the build plate.

I used PLA, Skirt, 20% infill, 3mm walls.

Print it however you feel comfortable. I think the heavier everything is though, the better it will spin and more durable it will be.

Assembly:

Set both pieces flat on a tabletop. Place the inner ring inside of the outer ring.

Offset the inner race all the way to one side then drop all (8) balls into place.

Move the inner race to be concentric with the outer race then position the balls equally around the raceway.

Place the ball cage over the balls to hold them in place. You may need to adjust the balls positioning slightly to get them into their positions. I found out during assembly of these later on that the cage is easier inserted from below, leaving the balls visible and more accessible from the topside to be moved around.

Once the balls are aligned with the cage, the cage just snaps into place.

Spin Away!

More Instruction and Background of this project can be found on my YT Channel:

See how well it holds up with HIGH speeds in the video below: