Candy Dispenser

Transform a common glass jar into a "vintage" style candy machine with a modern design. This model is designed to pair perfectly with **80mm diameter glass jars**, utilizing an internal rotary mechanism that ensures precise and fun dispensing

⚙️ How It Works

Unlike gravity dispensers, this project uses an **internal compartmentalized rotor**:

1. Candies fall from the jar and fill a chamber in the upper rotor
2. By turning the external **cross knob**, the mechanism transports a portion of the snack towards the lower opening
3. The snack falls down the internal chute and deposits into the integrated collection tray

✨ Technical Features

• Universal Compatibility: Optimized for jars with an **80mm** opening (pressure fit/stable support)
• Anti-Jamming Mechanism: The internal geometry is designed to prevent candies from getting stuck during rotation
• Elegant Conical Design: The wide base ensures maximum stability, even when the jar is full and heavy
• Zero Screws: Assembly is completely mechanical, based on interlocking and coupling between printed components

🛠️ 3D Printing Tips

From the geometric analysis, here are the recommended parameters:

• Main Body (Base): Requires **supports** only for the exit chute arch and the internal rotor seats
• Knob and Shaft: Print them with a **high infill (30-40%)** or by increasing the number of walls (at least 4), as these parts are subject to torsion
• Tolerances: The model includes precise clearances for rotational movement. If your printer tends to "expand" holes, make sure you have calibrated the **flow rate** well
• Recommended material: **PLA** for vibrant colors or **PETG** for greater durability over time

📦 Project Components

1. Conical Base: Supporting structure with integrated chute and tray
2. Rotor: Geared wheel that drives the plate's rotation
3. Cross Knob and Drive Shaft: Knob and shaft that drive the rotor
4. Selector Plate: The "heart" of the dispenser that dispenses candies

5. Fixed Upper Block: prevents sweets from falling into the distribution channel

    

🛠️ Mechanical Assembly Guide

The design is intended for an interlocking assembly that self-locks as you proceed upwards. Follow these steps:

1. Rotor (Conveyor) Insertion: Place the **rotor** (the geared wheel) inside the cylindrical chamber of the base. Ensure that the central hole is aligned with the front hole of the conical base
2. Shaft with Integrated Knob Installation: Thread the shaft through the front hole of the base, passing it through the rotor hub all the way. The cross knob should fit flush against the outer wall of the base
3. Locking with Half Washer (C-Clip): Accessing from the top of the chamber, insert the **half washer** into the groove located at the end of the shaft protruding from the rotor. This step secures the axle to the rotor and prevents the shaft from slipping out
4. Selector Plate Installation: Now insert the **selector plate** (the fixed disc with the discharge slot). It acts as a guide for candies to fall towards the exit
5. Fixed Upper Block (Separator) Assembly: Insert the **upper block** over the selector plate. This component is essential because it creates a protective "bridge" over the drop hole, preventing sweets from falling directly from the jar without being dispensed by rotation
6. 80mm Jar Integration: Fill your glass jar and place it in the upper opening. The weight of the jar will keep the internal mechanical package (selector plate and upper block) firmly in place

If you have jars of different sizes, you can simply resize the project

Assembly instructions are also available in a YouTube video: 

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