A good source for robot parts

gweeds · Joined: 05 Apr 2005 Posts: 23 Location: New Zealand

Hi Guys, great to see a little side forum for robotics.

I am just beginning in robotics myself, but just thought I'd share my source of robot parts with all you other keen robot builders.

Idea

Photocopiers and laser printers are an excellent source for stepper motors, gears, belts, worm drives, small steel cables, shafts, bushes, bearings, LCD displays, LED's, switches, optical sensors etc. Some even have pneumatics in them!

Bonus about these units is that you also get the driver IC's for steppers. Copiers quite often use the STK/SLA series of stepper drivers that only need a simple direction signal and a clock to turn a stepper with good accuracy and torque.

If you know of a copier company near you, pop in and ask them nicely if they have any written off machines or accessories like finishers or document feeders, or pick them up dirt cheap at online auctions and second hand shops.

Very Happy

DJD XTREEM · Joined: 24 Jun 2004 Posts: 190 Location: 127.0.0.1

More parts for high power applications can be found at www.robotstore.com

And if you need any specific parts and you know or own a company that can buy with RS components or Farnell you will not run out of goods.

Also dump stores and radio/electronic flee markets are great resourches for 2nd hand parts. I have bought enough nice motors and other stuff to build robots on 2nd hand markets.

And some RC hobby shops also have nice parts for things you can need.