Identifying a Joint and Plastic Version in Australia

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying a specific type of joint, potentially a simplified ball-and-socket joint, and locating a plastic version of it for purchase in Australia or online. The scope includes practical applications and sourcing of materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the joint as an extremely simplified version of a ball-and-socket joint, suggesting that tolerances may not be critical due to the presence of a clamping screw.
  • Another participant notes that the joint is commonly found on dial indicator positioning arms and suggests that it may be available through machinist's tooling supply houses or catalogs.
  • A different participant identifies the joint as an armature ball joint, commonly used for puppets and hobby clamps, and provides a link to an image search for further reference.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the availability of plastic versions and suggests checking with technical staff at a university or exploring DIY options.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the nature of the joint being discussed but do not reach a consensus on its specific name or the availability of plastic versions. Multiple competing views on sourcing and identification remain.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the identification of the joint, as participants rely on descriptions and personal experiences without definitive references. The discussion does not resolve the specifics of the joint's name or the exact sources for purchasing a plastic version.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in mechanical joints, DIY projects, or sourcing materials for engineering or artistic applications.

Rohan99
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Hi,

Does anyone know what the name of this joint is? And if possible where i could buy a plastic version in Australia or online?

IMAG0409.jpg


Thanks in advance!
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF, Rohan.
I've never seen one like it, but it appears to just be an extremely simplified version of a ball-and-socket. Furthermore, frequent motion seems to be ruled out by the clamping screw, so tolerances aren't critical.
You could make one yourself just by gluing a ball to the end of a rod, then using a countersink drill bit to form the 2 halves of the socket in the bar stock. (I'm thinking that the background of your photo is a sheet of ruled writing paper, which is what I'm going by as a scale reference.)
 
I've seen this many times over the years, but never seen a "name" for it. Danger is correct in his description.

One finds these things on dial indicator positioning arms. One finds those in machinist's tooling supply houses / catalogs.

Plastic versions? Can't recall if I've ever seen plastic versions. Maybe some type of lab supply or scientific supply source may have something in plastic.
 
Cheers guys for the ideas, I am going to ask a few of the techies around uni and hopefully they know where I could find a plastic version from. Pretty simple joint but I got no idea where you find them. Might have to get the tools out and have a crack
 

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