7. Open Source hardware: from fibers to fabric¶

This week in collaboration with Nia Cavalie, we decided to work in a machine that will allow us to agilized the bioplastics prototyping. Main key factors of success besides of getting a proper recipe, It's crucial to take in consideration the following conditions:

Size of the bioplastics samples (long, wide and thick).
Temperature Range
Uniform thickness of bioplastic samples.
Type of bioplastics that could be prepared: Gelatine, Agar Agar, Alginates, Starch, Chitine)
An additional fabric or textile is required (Yes/ No)
Degassing process is required Yes/ No
Time of curation of the bioplastic.

We found as very useful refrence the Open Source Project made by Irene Caratti from the last Fab Lab Course, whom made a very detailed reaserach and analysis of the diffrent variables that we must take in consideration for designing the Bioplastic Machine.

Bioplastic Machine Desired Features¶

Modular design
Easy to be assempled everywhere
Moderate to low cost fabrication (IKEA way)
Made with High temperature resistance material
The size and thickness of the material can be set
Leveling mechanism and uniformity of the thickness should be deployable
Minimize bioplastic material waste.

Research - Useful links¶

Code Example¶

Use the three backticks to separate code.

// the setup function runs once when you press reset or power the board
void setup() {
  // initialize digital pin LED_BUILTIN as an output.
  pinMode(LED_BUILTIN, OUTPUT);
}

// the loop function runs over and over again forever
void loop() {
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, HIGH);   // turn the LED on (HIGH is the voltage level)
  delay(1000);                       // wait for a second
  digitalWrite(LED_BUILTIN, LOW);    // turn the LED off by making the voltage LOW
  delay(1000);                       // wait for a second
}