Identifying a Joint and Plastic Version in Australia

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on identifying a specific type of joint, resembling a simplified ball-and-socket design, and finding a plastic version in Australia. Participants suggest that this joint is often used in dial indicator positioning arms and may not have a widely recognized name. While some suggest creating a DIY version, others recommend checking machinist's tooling supply catalogs or lab supply sources for plastic options. The joint is also identified as an armature ball joint, commonly used in puppetry and hobby clamps. Overall, the search for a plastic variant continues, with participants planning to consult tech experts for further assistance.
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!
 
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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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