High Capacity Magnet Server

This device serves up 6x2mm magnets for use with Gridfinity baseplates and modules.   They are always served up in the same orientation so their polarity is always the same.  This helps avoid gluing magnets in the wrong orientation.

The magnets can stick out of the top of the stack without any risk of falling over or getting stuck.   It can  handle 100 magnets.  If you want, you can scale the stack in the Z direction as much as you want (over 100%) for a taller enclosed stack, but it really isn't necessary.

There is a tall slit in the column so you can see how many magnets remain when they are entirely within the stack.

Each served magnet ends up on top of a perch so it is in exactly the same place every time. They never fall out of or off of the device.

This model is loosely based on my original Gridfinity magnet server.

Required Parts:

• A 4x20mm cap screw (or longer)
• An M4 lock nut or an M4 Nut
• Two 6x2mm neodymium magnets

Assembly:

1. Print one of each part
2. Glue two magnets into the base that are in the same orientation (e.g. both North up or both South up).  That is the polarity of the served magnets as well. 
3. Insert a bolt through the bottom of the base
4. Slide the wheel over the bolt with the indentations facing upward
5. Slide the stack over the bolt while aligning the hole at the back of the stack support with the pin at the back of the base
6. Attach the lock nut over the top of the bolt - finger tight is enough

There is no need to glue any of the printed parts together.  The two magnets are the only parts that get glued in place.

Optional Assembly:

You can make this magnet server operable by a single hand if you attach it to something heavy or otherwise secure it so it can't move while it is in use.  For example, you could clamp the back of the stack support at the back of the base, or you could glue it to something or you could even bolt it down through the center hole into something below like a bench top or a piece of wood.  Bolts work very well in wood for an application like this.

Gridfinity 2x2 Base:

There is a 2x2 base that holds this magnet server.  You can find it along with updated assembly instructions on the 2x2 Gridfinity Magnet Server model page.  You don't need to reprint your magnet server to use it with the Gridfinity 2x2 Base.

Troubleshooting:

1. If the served magnet doesn't slide down the slide either the magnet at the bottom of the slide is missing or it needs to be turned over so it is the opposite polarity.
2. If the wheel takes too much force to rotate, make sure the detents in the wheel face up.  
3. If the stack of magnets bounces instead of locking into place, turn the stack of magnets over.

Usage:

1. Load magnets into the stack.  The magnet in the base should attract the stack.  If the stack bounces, turn the magnets over and insert them in the other orientation.
2. If you haven't secured the server, hold the back of the stack support with one hand.
3. Rotate the large knurled wheel 180º in either direction to serve the next magnet.
4. Remove the magnet from its perch.

You can see it in operation here:

More Information

There is a page dedicated to my magnet servers here:

https://3ddoodle.com/magnet-servers/

About Gridfinity:

Gridfinity System from Zack Freedman: https://thangs.com/designer/ZackFreedman 

https://www.youtube.com/c/ZackFreedman

License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
 

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