11. Open Source Hardware - From Fibers to Fabric¶
Research & Ideation¶
Open Source Hardware (OSH) refers to physical devices and designs whose specifications are made publicly available, enabling anyone to study, modify, distribute, and reproduce them. This concept aligns with the principles of open collaboration and innovation, similar to open-source software, but applied to tangible products. By sharing schematics, blueprints, and documentation.
Open Source Hardware (OSH) applied to fibers and fabric revolutionizes the textile industry by promoting transparency, collaboration, and sustainability. This approach involves publicly sharing the designs, processes, and tools used to produce fibers, yarns, and fabrics, enabling individuals and organizations to replicate, adapt, and innovate within the field.
From open-source spinning machines to DIY weaving looms and dyeing techniques, OSH in textiles empowers communities to explore eco-friendly materials, experiment with traditional and modern methods, and reduce reliance on proprietary systems. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem, it supports advancements in sustainable fashion, localized production, and material science.
This democratized approach to textile manufacturing not only lowers barriers to innovation but also aligns with the principles of circular economy and ethical production, paving the way for a more equitable and environmentally conscious industry.
UNIVERSAL G-CODE SENDER¶
Universal G-code Sender (UGS) is an open-source software platform used to control digital manufacturing machines such as CNC mills, routers, laser cutters, and other tools that operate with G-code. G-code is the standard language these machines use to interpret instructions for movements, speeds, and positions.
UGS acts as an intermediary between the user and the machine, providing an interface to load, preview, and send G-code files to devices powered by firmware like GRBL or Marlin. As open-source software, UGS is adaptable, allowing users to customize it for specific needs or integrate it with various machines and applications.
Key features of UGS: Compatibility: Works with a wide range of open-source hardware controllers and firmware.
User-friendly interface: Includes visual tools like path previews and real-time controls.
Cross-platform: Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Extensibility: Its open-source nature allows developers to add features or enhance the platform.
Relevance in the OSH ecosystem: UGS fits seamlessly into open-source hardware projects by making digital manufacturing tools accessible and easy to use. It democratizes prototyping and personalized production, benefiting maker communities and educational initiatives that prioritize flexibility and affordability.
Soft robotics¶
Soft robotics is an innovative field in robotics that focuses on the design and construction of robots using materials that mimic the flexibility and adaptability of natural organisms. Unlike traditional rigid robots, soft robots are made of materials such as silicones, gels, and elastomers, allowing them to perform delicate tasks, adapt to unstructured environments, and interact safely with humans and fragile objects.
The principles of soft robotics draw inspiration from biological systems, enabling robots to achieve movement, grip, and morphing capabilities that are challenging for rigid designs. These qualities make soft robotics ideal for applications in fields like medicine (e.g., prosthetics and minimally invasive surgery), agriculture (e.g., fruit harvesting), and exploration (e.g., navigating irregular terrains).
For Fab Academy, integrating soft robotics offers exciting opportunities to explore innovative materials and digital fabrication techniques, such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and molding, to create functional and customizable robotic solutions. Through hands-on experimentation, this project will aim to highlight how soft robotics can revolutionize automation and human-robot interactions.
weekly assignment
References & Inspiration¶
"For soft robots to have ubiquitous adoption in practical applications they require soft actuators that provide well‐rounded actuation performance that parallels natural muscle while being inexpensive and easily fabricated. This manuscript introduces a toolkit to rapidly prototype, manufacture, test, and power various designs of hydraulically amplified self‐healing electrostatic (HASEL) actuators with muscle‐like performance that achieve all three basic modes of actuation (expansion, contraction, and rotation)".
- Shane K. M. et al. - An Easy‐to‐Implement Toolkit to Create Versatile and High‐Performance HASEL Actuators for Untethered Soft Robots.
- instructable - Mini CNC Router, Complete Plans and Instructions.
Tools¶
Materials¶
| Qty | Description | Price | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LUNYEE 3018PRO | 8421.0 $ | https://www.amazon.com.mx/LUNYEE-3018-PRO-pl%C3%A1stico-acr%C3%ADlico/dp/B0CHM7L7G5 | |
| 1 | CNC controlLer | 32.86 $$ | https://www.ebay.com/itm/373702476015?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1ki7WcYHpRtmcMNUQ_uFLNg37&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=21562-222008-2056-1&mkcid=2&itemid=373702476015&targetid=325425753764&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9073959&poi=&campaignid=21384589900&mkgroupid=164552185618&rlsatarget=pla-325425753764&abcId=&merchantid=6296724&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA0rW6BhAcEiwAQH28In5paW3wyWMJoQFqwy4WcR_Pup1jaKi7_u9c9ZLqnXasLLeGdN_e3RoCpG8QAvD_BwE | |
| 1 | Kit de soldador | 239 $ | https://www.amazon.com.mx/soldador-Reparaci%C3%B3n-circuito-herramientas-reparaci%C3%B3n/dp/B0CW2TCS8N/ref=sr_1_1?__mk_es_MX=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=107Y7RO1O7FI3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wTzQxfdr18W_izhC2_3pLkIueQLfwBDq8Xxk7IWAQkov-GVzeOmzkrZ6TcASJcTEyFJ1kSGuC-G1ixijlEiQ5VjtLBjf8PNQaHVrwgqOAFSiRzFi-TdFPeoFwnyVqBev7B8hiuDqDzLOyM23oC4JwSlty5IZh83jmpkp2bVhYw9kx3P7iOX7v1f_4zJUkn1O0zD_-in8M_MHdGlGMfVyEh0VKG5Tjd9o5dXF7U_rNQs.ax7RHmGXbLwytys-_ePcZ3_yM3qsyiHCQNoFSNoUT38&dib_tag=se&keywords=cautin&qid=1733214586&s=tools&sprefix=cautin%2Binalambrico%2Chi%2C432&sr=1-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.de93fa6a-174c-4df7-be7c-5bc8e9c5a71b&th=1 |
Process¶
For this project, we decided to redesign a CNC from the Lab with the goal of creating figures from polypropylene sheets, a material ideal for the production of Soft Robots. The main challenge was to create a CNC machine with recycled components, as the electronic, mechanical, and structural parts of other machines or equipment that are no longer in use may be damaged or have faults during the assembly process. Fortunately, at FABLAB Puebla, there are many machines available that we can use for these types of activities.
We worked with a 3-axis CNC machine because it offers several advantages that make it ideal for a wide variety of applications in digital fabrication. For example:
The ability to adapt tools and work with different types of adapters makes the 3-axis CNC machine easily integrable with other systems and technologies. This can include temperature or precision control systems.
Although it has only three axes (X, Y, Z), a 3-axis CNC machine is quite versatile for a variety of tasks such as cutting, milling, drilling, and engraving. Being relatively simple compared to multi-axis machines, it can handle many fabrication tasks without being overly complex."
Workflow¶
We used a machine currently in operation as a reference, as it has all the necessary components. To help us identify and understand these parts, we researched axis systems (Y, X, and Z) and consulted various online resources. One of the most helpful was the article from * Programación CNC - Programación CNC.
Electronics¶
The GRBL 1.1 Cronos Maker control board is designed for CNC applications such as routers or laser engravers. Its key features: CNC Controller Board 3Axis (GRBL Cronos Maker)
Double y-axis, all-round use,XYZ or XYY. Stepper drive setup subdivision. Integrated 3 A4988 drivers, directly connect to four wire stepper motor. Support Laser or Spindle. Support 12V, 5V with TTL and without TTL laser. Adjustable driver subdivision. Support the xyz limit switch, probe interface. Support external Offline Controller(Optional). A4988 can be replaced with 8825 driver.
3Axis Control Board is a Arduino based 3 Axises Motion control system, can be used for Laser Engraving machine, Drawer Machine, CNC Engraving Machine etc.
- Leetech - Leetech.
CNC- Fablab Ibero Pebla¶
Sketches¶
The designs were created using inkscape
footnote fabrication files
Fabrication files are a necessary element for evaluation. You can add the fabrication files at the bottom of the page and simply link them as a footnote. This was your work stays organised and files will be all together at the bottom of the page. Footnotes are created using [ ^ 1 ] (without spaces, and referenced as you see at the last chapter of this page) You can reference the fabrication files to multiple places on your page as you see for footnote nr. 2 also present in the Gallery.
Video
This story will continue¶
This week we identified the parts of a CNC that are already in the Ibero Puebla fablab. We identify the components that need to be acquired or modified to be able to sealing balloons to the construction of soft robots. It is necessary to work on the control and codes to obtain the desired designs.
3D Models¶
Fabrication files¶
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
}