Geodesic Dome Hubs by hubsTM

Simplified yet dimensionally accurate 3D models for 5-way and 6-way geodesic dome hubs and ball connectors designed and supplied by hubsTM. These models are also downloadable through their website; https://buildwithhubs.co.uk/downloads/hubs-cad-models.zip

NOTE: The provided parts are for modelling purposes only. Please support the creator by obtaining the parts directly through their website. The parts are also available on Amazon.

Print Settings

Printer Brand:  Prusa

Printer:  i3 MK2S

Rafts:  Doesn't Matter

Supports:  Doesn't Matter

Resolution:  0.15mm OPTIMAL

Infill:  50%

Filament Brand: Doesn't Matter 

Filament Type:  ASA 

Filament Color:  Doesn't Matter 

Special Notes:  Print inside an enclosure for best results.

More Details

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE:

Anyone building a dome, dome adaptation or any other structure with hubsTM does so at their own risk. hubsTM recommends keeping dome diameters to under 6m and the total strut assembly weight to under 30kg (66lbs), or 500g/strut. Additionally, domes built with hubsTM are not climbing frames and are not intended for suspending heavy weights. Do not install domes with hubsTM in public spaces.

HOW DO THEY WORK:

A M6-1x25mm countersunk flat head socket cap machine screw with a M6 wing nut and a 30mm dia. flat washer clamps the ball connectors tightly into each hub. This prevents the ball connectors from being pushed out of the hub sockets and also fixes their position making the hubs resistant to rotation. The hubs and ball connectors get secured once all the struts are installed and the dome is in its final position using a M6 Allen key to firmly clamp the wing nut. For better retention, have the sharper edge of the washer face the ball connectors. More installation details are available on the hubsTM website.

ADDITIONAL STRENGHT:

When additional strength is required; for example, locations with high winds, or covered domes that could experience more than 20cm of snow and other adverse conditions, the installation of additional secure caps is highly advisable. These secure caps are also available through hubsTM. The secure caps will help prevent the ball connectors from popping out-out. The secure caps are mounted on the inside of the hubs; i.e. wingnut side.

CONSTRUCTION:

The number of hubs you require to build your dome will depend on the type and size you wish to build. Similarly, the number of struts and lengths also depends on the dome design you choose. Recommendation is to use 1.5”x1.5” lumber for struts with a light ¼” taper at both ends to prevent the ends of the struts from clashing with the hubs during assembly. The ball connectors are designed to use #8 x 2-1/2” (4.5 x 65mm) coated deck screws to secure and center each end of the struts. Bamboo, plastic, metal and other tubes can also be used as struts by filling the ends with wooden dowels so that the ball connectors can be screwed into. Use the online dome calculators listed below to determine what you need. If you require a flat dome base, use a Kruschke Method Calculator.

STRUT DESIGN NOTE:

Most dome calculators give you the vertex-to-vertex strut lengths so you will need to subtract 87mm to account for the space that the hubs and ball connectors take up at the vertices.

Useful Online Geodesic Dome Design Links:

https://www.domerama.com/ https://www.desertdomes.com/ https://acidome.com/ https://geo-dome.co.uk/

Category: Outdoor & Garden