Alps X/Y Plotter Gear (qty 3) Commodore, Atari

After years of research, trying alternative methods of repair, casting, laser cutting and consumer 3D printing, there's finally an on demand source for these gears long after production stopped over 30 years ago.

This is the tiny plastic gear that drives the X and Y movement of small plotters from the early 1980's that used the same Alps mechanism. The plotters that are compatible are:

• Commodore 1520 Printer/Plotter
• Atari 1020
• Radio Shack Tandy CGP-115
• Oric MCP-40
• Sharp CE-150
• Texas Instruments HX-1000
• Mattel Aquarius 4615

 

You get three X/Y plotter gears in the set printed in "Frosted Extreme Detail" plastic (FXD). They will come attached to one another. Simply use a very sharp hobby knife to cut them apart. Wear eye protection and be careful as they will become airborne and could become lost. Shield your cut area so they are contained. The gear will pressure fit onto the spindle without the need for glue.

Remember, this printing method is one of the most detailed types that Shapeways offers. Turn around time can be slower and it's one of the more expensive plastics. Other plastics are cheaper, but don't have the resolution required for such a tiny part. FXD plastic also has a $5 setup cost per part per print, regardless of size. Designing the 3 gears as break-apart, we're able to skip the $5 setup cost per part (and save $10!) as it's treated as a single part.