I’m reviewing 3D Printed guards designed to protect #25 chains and sprockets. A primary constraint in their design is that they need to be the last components easily added (and removed), completing a vehicle’s assembly. Easy access for adjusting the drive mechanism is the main reason. For the tank-driven four wheel vehicle these guards are two half circular ‘clam shells’ that snap in place around sprockets driving 10″ pneumatic tire wheels as well as square steel tubing making up the vehicle frame.
This is an image of 2 half circular guards covering the sprocket. The circular cutout in the center of the 2 guards allows for clearance of the 1.5″ diameter wheel hub. The sprocket is mounted on the end of the hub inside the guards.
Here are images of the guards covering the back sprocket.
The front half guard has the same circular shape to cover the sprocket. Whereas the back guard is elongated to additionally protect the chain where it travels under the back sprocket and up to the smaller motor pinion.
Installing the back elongated guard is done by flexing open the guard, thereby widening the lengthwise split in the top, slipping it up and over the bottom chain and top horizontal frame, unflexing to let it wrap around the top frame and securely closing the guard on top with M3 screws through the two sets of small cylindrical connectors printed into the guard.
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