11. Open Source Hardware - From Fibers to Fabric¶
GOAL OF PROJECT
To create an electrical spinning machine, explain the process and fusion of the machine and have the field as an open source. To experiment with design modifications that adapt existing models for 3D printing. To create a functional spinning motor prototype capable of handling wool and spinning it effectively.
In this project, we are automating the spinning machine into practical open-source hardware. We took an existing model that we found online and modified it to work with the same concept. Still, we implemented 3D-printed elements, cut out material for the base on the laser, and created a citation board to regulate the electronics and the speed at which it operates.
We had a lot of technical difficulties with some of the PLA printed material that needed to be smoother for the wool to pass by and some of the base system that could have flushed out with more time.
Research & Ideation¶
First, we reached and ideated how the machine works by passing the material through the structure onto the spindle of one of the hooks to be able to work the material onto the spindle.
Along with Sarah Spins example that is at the top left corner of the mood board and has more of a brake down of her process and outcome.
Wheels on both sides of the structure help rotate and keep the spindle in place. The motor is at the bottom of the base, with a band of tension creating rotation in the machine. We also added to the electronics a knob that could turn the machine on and off and regulate the speed.
Source Files & Export Files¶
Source & Export Files We took this project as a reference and modified it to fit our 3d printer (made it 30% smaller) and make the structure with plywood. LEARNINGS: It takes more time to adapt somebody else’s designs than to actually do your own.
You can find our edited files here.
Tools¶
- 3D printer
- Sand Paper
- Lazer cutting machien
- Rhino or Blender for design modifications.
- Slicing Software:
- PrusaSlicer and Bambu Studio for 3D printing.
Materials¶
- PLA Filament: For 3D-printed parts.
- Plywood: 5mm sheets for laser cutting.
- Elastic Bands
- Glue
- Hooks M4x15mm
- DC Motor: Micromotor 130 1.5V-6V (and alternatives for testing).
Electronics
- FQP30N06L MOSFET
- Potentiometer (VOX 100KA V847A)
- 1kΩ Resistor
- 1N4001 Diode
- 9V Batery
- Battery converter
Unique Parts
- 3D-Printed Components
- Spool
- Axis
- Electronics housing/box
- Tensor Piece
- Laser-Cut Wooden Components
- Structure base
- Side supports
Process¶
First/ File Setup
We printed all the 3D parts we needed that we found based on another model and modified the base and some of the structure.
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Gather all 3D-printed and laser-cut parts.
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Ensure the axis, spool, and hooks are defects-free (sand and adjust if necessary).
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Create the fields for the base, take measurements of past examples, and try to integrate them into the current design.
Second/ Testing maetrials
* Insert the axis into the spool, ensuring a snug fit.
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Add hooks to the spool manually to guide the wool
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Testing out diffrent mottors and speeds
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Print out a smaller scale of the base and ensure the peaces come together.
Third/ Structure Assembely
* Assemble the Structure
Assemble the plywood pieces:the stable base and side supports.
Ensure the structure provides sufficient clearance for the rotating spool.
- Attach Tensor Piece to the structure and add tensor string or elastic bands.
Fourth/ Electronic System
We tried using a couple of different motors to see what motor would run best when spinning the wool.
- Assemble the circuit with the resistor, potentiometer, diode, and MOSFET.
- Mount the motor to the structure securely
- Connect the motor shaft to the axis directly via a string or elastic bands
- Secure electronics inside the housing and attach to the structure
Five/ Testing the sytem
* Power the motor and adjust the potentiometer for speed control.
* Observe the rotation of the spool and axis, addressing any misalignments or issues.
This model 1 was obtained by..
The design 2 was created using..