3D printed wheel balancing weights holder

[janpom]

There seems to be interest in this project so I’m starting a separate thread. Relevant posts from the 3D printables thread:

3D printables for esk8

Has anyone been experimenting with a 3D printed solution to wheel balancing? I’ve been using adhesive 5g counter-weights but there are a few problems with them. First, 5g is a bit too much for accurate balancing. Second, if I change tyres and need to re-balance I have to replace the weights. They can’t be easily re-used. I was thinking of a 3D printed counter-weight holder that would somehow attach to the spokes. Then maybe use bolts and/or nuts as weights. I have some ideas but don’t want to r…

3D printables for esk8

First attempt: [image] [image] Ah, I need a valve cutout…

3D printables for esk8

First test. The print came out pretty well. I used M3x8 bolts as weights. They just sink in without coming out of the other end. They are basically drilled in (the holes are 2.5mm) and I think they might hold in even without being secured with a nut. We’ll see after some riding. Not using the nuts makes the installation faster and more hassle free. [IMG_4441] [IMG_4442] Fits snugly! Yay. [IMG_4443] [IMG_4444] Balancing test. This is without any counter-weight at all. Lot of pendulum ef…

3D printables for esk8

That’s some clever thinking! I like it! Might it make enough of a difference if its thickness was reduced around the valve side, I wonder?

3D printables for esk8

It would probably shave off a gram or two which is not a lot but it’s not insignificant either. It’s a good idea. Then again I have some wheels where (strangely) I needed to put more weight on the valve side to get them balanced.

3D printables for esk8

Genius! What a great idea. Could you estimate the weight of the valve stem and add spots for one or two larger bolts of similar weight across from the stem to offset the weight, and use the smaller bolts for fine tuning? And make these for MBS Rockstar and 5 stars? Pleeaase??

3D printables for esk8

Here’s another iteration. I removed material from the valve side and added two slots for M5 bolts opposite to the valve. [image] M5x6 bolts should sink in perfectly. Or maybe use M5x10 and a nut for security and extra weight. I’ll get it printed, test it and report back.

[Linesflag]

I’ll be watching this with great interest…

[brown5tick]

I’m adding this as a strong contender for the brown5tick 2021 ‘Post-it’ Award for Innovation: a solution to a ubiquitous problem that is super-simple and elegant.

I wonder how long it will be before this concept is built into the hubs themselves? Rockstar III’s anyone?

[glyphiks]

@brown5tick

Rockstar III’s anyone?

@MBS

Seriously tho, this is my favourite esk8 thing i’ve seen this year. Super cool concept. Kudos Jan

[janpom]

@brown5tick

I wonder how long it will be before this concept is built into the hubs themselves

Trampa Megastar actually already have holders for weights built-in.

[janpom]

3D printables for esk8

Somebody send this man a rockstar hub

Rockstar Pro would actually probably be easy since the bolts are not hidden inside the hubs like on the plastic MBS hubs. Also there’s a STEP model available on thingiverse which would help a lot (if it’s accurate).

[glyphiks]

I believe that the rockstar pro is a discontinued product… although i hope i am wrong.

[janpom]

Is it? You can still buy them here:

MBS RockStar Pro Hub - MBS Mountainboards Europe

… which obviously does not yet mean they are not discontinued.

[glyphiks]

they’re completely gone from the Australian site

Edit: we are derailing

[brown5tick]

@janpom

Trampa Megastar actually already have holders for weights built-in.

Well, well! You live and learn. The Evolve hubs have little counterweights built in as well, which I always thought was a nice touch.

[janpom]

I printed and tested the latest version with two M5 bolt slots. Thanks @Mobutusan for the idea. It worked well. I was able to get the wheel perfectly balanced using the bolts only. I just need to order some shorter M5 bolts to make it look less ugly.

Trampa wheel balancing - next iteration, balanced with bolts only

weights_holder_v5.stl (291.3 KB)

[NullBlox]

is there a reason not to just put them inside the tire like the tubes?
This is what I do and well works fine… I see the reason for this but then again It might be extra.

I do like the idea though, and would be nice to see hubs integrate things like this or tire makers just balance the dam tires off the line.

If these are made, Im sure I will buy some. Just to make things easier.

[Titoxd1000]

Very cool idea. M4 seems to work for my tires. This one being the most unbalanced taking 4 screws, balancef enough for 40mph.

[luastoned]

Did you share the files? I feel like I’m either blind or missing the post

[janpom]

This has been on hold for a while due to other priorities. I made some more progress on the design last week but haven’t printed it yet. The latest version only has slots for M5 bolts.

I’m traveling now so I’ll print it when I’m back in the office.

I can share the STL files as well for the current as well as the previous versions in case people want to experiment with it.

[J0ker]

@janpom

in case people want to experiment with it

I think theres a few of us waiting for this lol.

We’d love you to share it

[janpom]

So, I made some progress today. But then I looked at @Titoxd1000’s version again:

3D printed wheel balancing weights holder

Very cool idea. M4 seems to work for my tires. This one being the most unbalanced taking 4 screws, balancef enough for 40mph. [20210815_112029]

Isn’t that one a whole lot better design than mine? It looks better and seems way more practical since it’s not in the way for the pulley.

[Titoxd1000]

Thanks @janpom

A drawback with the spacer design is you’re relying on the little tabs on the wheel where the bolts go. Think people have been using spacer for awhile though, haven’t heard of any failures. Here is the file, use at your own risk.

Spacers v31 6.5mm.stl (439.1 KB)

[MarkVa1]

How do you tell if an Esk8 wheel is balanced? Just curious…

[glyphiks]

AT Wheels Balancing Guide

AT Wheels Balancing Guide Hey there! It occurred to me that most people out there are not balancing their pneumatic wheels. This is a serious problem and should be addressed asap as unbalanced wheels will lead to unwanted vibrations and dangerous speed wobbles. Why can’t my wheels just be balanced straight out of the factory!? There are tons of reasons, and to name a few: Non-homogeneous materials. Even if factories adhere to a nano-meter precision, materials are inherently non-homogeneou…