A motorized rotating platform designed for product photography, video showcase, and 3D scanning.
This platform combines CNC-cut sheet metal with 3D-printed PETG mechanical gears and structural components.
The system features a dual-tier design driven by a gear reduction mechanism powered by a DC gear motor. Integrated side arms support RGB LED strips to provide studio lighting directly attached to the rotating structure.
- Base Structure: 2 mm CNC laser-cut sheet metal coated with heat-cured thermal silver paint.
- Bottom Plate Diameter: 150 mm.
- Top Platform Diameter: 250 mm with welded dual side support arms for RGB LED placement.
- Bearing: 608RR / 608-2RS ball bearing for axial rotation and load distribution.
- Drive Mechanism: Custom spur gear reduction system (Pinion gear on motor shaft driving a large platform gear).
- 3D Printed Parts: Printed with PETG filament using 4 wall perimeters for torque resistance.
- Power Supply: 5V DC wall adapter.
- Speed Control: Passive voltage drop via two standard silicon diodes connected in series to achieve optimal rotational speed for video capture.
- Fasteners: 4 mm self-tapping plastic screws.
| Component | Material / Specs | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Plate | 2 mm Sheet Metal (CNC Cut) | 1 | 150 mm diameter base |
| Top Platform | 2 mm Sheet Metal (CNC Cut) | 1 | 250 mm diameter platform with welded LED support arms |
| Ball Bearing | 608RR / 608-2RS | 1 | Positioned at the central shaft axis |
| Fasteners | 4 mm Self-Tapping Screws | Set | For mounting printed components |
| Part Name | File Reference | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Driven Gear | cad/3d_printing/driven_gear_large.stl |
Central gear attached to the main top assembly shaft |
| Pinion Gear | cad/3d_printing/pinion_gear_small.stl |
Motor-shaft mounted gear |
| Spacer Cylinder | cad/3d_printing/spacer_cylinder.stl |
Internal structural pillar |
| Motor Mount | cad/3d_printing/motor_mount_housing.stl |
Enclosure for the yellow TT motor |
| Component | Specs | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC Motor | Yellow TT Gearbox Motor | 1 | Primary drive actuator |
| Diodes | Standard Silicon Diodes (e.g., 1N4007) | 2 | Connected in series for speed reduction via voltage drop |
| Power Supply | 5V DC Power Adapter | 1 | Mains connection |
| Lighting | RGB LED Strips | 2 | Mounted on side support arms |
To maintain an optimal RPM for video capture without complex PWM controllers, the supply voltage is passively stepped down using two standard silicon diodes connected in series with the motor input:
This voltage reduction slows down the yellow TT motor to a stable, low-noise rotational velocity suitable for smooth 360-degree filming.
To ensure structural durability under rotational loads:
- Material: PETG (Recommended over PLA for higher toughness and heat resistance).
- Wall Loops / Perimeters: 4 walls minimum (Critical for gear tooth strength and screw thread engagement).
- Infill: 25% – 30% (Gyroid or Grid pattern).
- Layer Height: 0.2 mm.
- Metal Preparation: Cut the 150 mm base plate and 250 mm top platform from 2 mm sheet metal using CNC/Laser. Weld the two side arms to the top platform and finish with thermal silver spray paint.
- Motor & Gearbox Assembly: Secure the yellow TT motor inside the printed housing using self-tapping screws. Press-fit the small pinion gear onto the motor shaft.
- Shaft & Bearing Insertion: Fit the 608RR bearing onto the center cylinder mount between the upper platform and bottom base plate.
- Platform Mounting: Mesh the large driven gear with the small pinion gear. Ensure smooth hand-rotation before power connection.
- Electrical Wiring: Wire the two diodes in series on the positive rail of the 5V DC adapter lead leading to the motor terminals. Connect RGB lighting strips to their respective channels along the side arms.
- Operation: Place the item on the center of the top platform, power the LEDs, and plug in the 5V adapter.
This project is open-source hardware released under the MIT License.
[ 5V DC Adapter ] ---> [ Diode 1 ] ---> [ Diode 2 ] ---> [ Yellow TT Motor ] ---> GND