Mounting an Omniwheel

The AM omniwheel shown contains only a single bearing. You’ll want at least two-bearings constraining something to a shaft – but no more than two.

In this case, since you’re using a dead-axle, I’d find the appropriate bearing to fit into whatever sprocket you’ve got bolted onto your omniwheel. It’ll probably be an R8 flanged ball bearing and is available from AndyMark as well.

The flanges on the ball bearings constrain them axially in only one direction. You’ll want to use spacers or shaft collars on the side of each bearing that faces away from the wheel to constrain them axially in both directions. Be certain that the spacer or shaft collar you use contacts ONLY the inner race of the bearing or you’ll experience additional frictional losses and, perhaps, binding.

Be aware that flangeless ball bearings are not constrained axially at all in this sort of arrangement and can fall “into” the wheel. If that’s the case, you can add a third spacer that lives between the wheel and sprocket, but I’d recommend getting flanged bearings instead.

Okay I’m Serious Now. Have you tried putting a 6 inch metal plate in the middle of the wheels. If cut right and wielded it will not hit the corners purtruding out. It will connect to the rotational device. When it spins it will hold it in place while still being able to move with reinforced steel to back it up. I hope that helps. Make sure it’s small enough so you dont have it flopping like a fish.

A guy on my team says that that would be like trying to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a laser from a satellite in space. Overcomplicated.