Powder Detergent Dispenser with TR48x12 Leadscrew and Dual 6000 Bearings

Imagine never spilling powdered detergent again or guessing how much you're using. This compact and durable 3D-printed dispenser gives you full control and consistency with every load of laundry.

This system is built around a TR48x12 ISO trapezoidal leadscrew (left-hand thread, class 7e), chosen for its high load-carrying capacity, long-term wear resistance, and mechanical efficiency. Driving the screw is a sturdy hand crank, while both ends of the screw are stabilized with two deep groove ball bearings (6000 series) for smooth, low-friction operation even after hundreds of cycles.

🔩 Components (4 total printable parts)

Say goodbye to mess, guesswork, and waste in your laundry routine.

This 3D-printed detergent dispenser was engineered to solve exactly what this contest is about: giving you control over powdered detergent with precision, cleanliness, and practicality.

At its core is a TR48x12 trapezoidal screw (ISO metric, left-hand thread, 12 mm pitch) that pushes detergent smoothly from the hopper directly into the washing machine drawer. The screw rotates on two 6000-series ball bearings, ensuring silent, low-friction operation and long-term mechanical alignment.

Designed for single-handed operation, you simply turn the ergonomic crank to dispense a measured 1.18 g of powder per revolution. With 25.5 turns delivering a standard 30 g laundry dose, you gain full control over your detergent usage — no clumps, no waste, no spills.

Hopper body (dosificador.stl)
A tapered container with a volumetric capacity of approx. 390 cm³, holding up to 260 grams of powdered detergent.
The inner geometry directs powder into the feed screw, ensuring no bridging or clogging occurs.

Base structure (Base.stl)
A mechanically secure channel that houses the TR48x12 leadscrew and both 6000 bearings.
Includes pre-sized seating for precise bearing alignment (10 mm shaft, 26 mm outer diameter, 8 mm thick).

Screw auger (Tornillo.stl)
The heart of the mechanism. This custom auger matches the TR48x12 standard with a 12 mm pitch and a 48 mm nominal diameter.
One full turn delivers ≈1.76 cm³ of powder (~1.18 grams, assuming 0.67 g/cm³ bulk density).
That means ≈25.5 turns dispenses 30 grams—a typical laundry dose.

Crank handle (Manibela.stl)
Ergonomically shaped to provide mechanical leverage with minimal effort.
It can be printed with 20% infill and still offers structural rigidity.

📏 Overall Dimensions

Total height (assembled): 206 mm

Hopper top opening (square): 90 × 90 mm

Outlet nozzle diameter: 10 mm

Base footprint: 90 mm × 60 mm

Bearing seats: Ø26 mm x 8 mm depth, press-fit

Screw shaft inner diameter: Ø10 mm

🧠 Mechanical Highlights

🌀 TR48x12 ISO trapezoidal screw, left-hand for anti-loosening performance

🧼 Precise dosing: 1.18 g per turn

🧊 No electronics, zero maintenance

🔁 Dual 6000 bearings ensure perfect axial alignment and zero lateral play

🧩 Fully modular: each part can be replaced or reprinted individually

🖨 Printing Recommendations

Material: PLA or PETG (recommended for higher humidity)

Layer height: 0.2 mm

Infill: 25–30%

Supports: Only needed for the auger and inner base structure

Assembly Fit: Bearing holes are calibrated for snug press-fit. Use a vice or clamp if needed, no glue required.

🛠 Assembly Instructions

Print all four parts using your preferred slicer.

Insert the TR48x12 leadscrew into the base.

Install the two 6000 bearings on either end—press-fit.

Attach the crank to the free end of the screw.

Slide the hopper onto the base. Add powder. Start turning!

⚠ Usage Notes

Not for use with liquid detergent or damp powders.

Clean the screw chamber monthly with a dry brush.

For improved ergonomics, you may add engraved markers to the crank (e.g., every 5 turns = 6 g).

📦 Included Files

dosificador.stl – Hopper body

Base.stl – Bearing and auger housing

Tornillo.stl – Leadscrew

Manibela.stl – Crank handle

Optional: Engineering drawing & PDF datasheet for bearing 6000

🪪 License