Helpppppp! How to build this?

[Miura Dasilva]

Dear All

I’m master mechanical engineering student, I’m currently working on a project about CCTV camera and security systems. I have to build a motorized pan and tilt unit. I came up with this design(image1) but cant decide what is the best way (cost effective and high precision) to build it ?!

Is "casting and then CNC machining" the best way ? or sheet metal bending is a better way? or welding ? 

* Material is Aluminium.

[G B Reid MIMechE]

Your design lends itself well to casting and machining as you suggest....but I am concerned as to the connections....whilst it could be that you have "stops" incorporated, that could detract from the functionality.

It appears to me that the cables will become completely rotated and then damaged in the event of following an item of interest while in use. I would (quite strongly actually) suggest the use of rotary couplings that traverse the pivots to allow 360 degree use without damaging the wires. 

The particular design you have has some advantages - particularly in the IP rating - so it would not be a good idea to step back from that...that rules out either sheet metal or welding. And yes - for an item of this shape - casting is likely the most cost effective form creation medium....sand casting would work well. The shape too would allow the creation of a jig for precision retention on a CNC bed.

 

Good luck!