Some people in our forums have been building hotwire foam cutters using GcodeCNCDemo technology.
Here’s a perfect example of a machine that could be done using this method.
Victor Leung has all the details of their MakeBlock-sponsored build.
We’re using a normal camera quick release for this robot arm because we want to follow the KISS principle. With these diagrams in millimeters [and inches] you should be able to model the adapter and then 3D print it, mill it, add it to a tool design, or more. The only rule to remember with the adapter is this: your tool should never go “below” the top edge of the adapter, or the arm might not be able to grab the adapter.
So what kind of tools could you make for your robot arm? Here are a few suggestions:
A Dremel mount:
A 3D printer nozzle:
A gripper:
A vacuum nozzle with a suction cup:
A vacuum nozzle with a balloon full of coffee grouns:
I’ve already made a bottle opener.
If you can make a tool, share it in our Evil Minion forum or bring it to the World Maker Fair 2015. I’d love to see what you can do.
Today I’m delighted to officially open source some of the 5 axis robot arm I’ve named “Evil Minion” (seen here holding a bottle opener). Tweak it and bring it to World Maker Fair where – if all goes well – you’ll be able to run it on the arm.
This release contains the firmware and the electrical schematics. Firmware is the code for the central nervous system of the robot. The schematics explain the wiring between the Arduino MEGA, the motors, the sensors, and the Automatic Tool Changer (not yet available).
I used the schematic to make a PCB that turns a loose rat’s nest of wires on my desk into a compact, efficient shield.
The thing in the left half of this picture is after the shield. The mess on the right is before.
Here is a quick video of the arm moving a bit. I’ll have more details soon, including an official release of the 3D simulator.
It’s Maker Fair time again!
Marginally Clever will be bringing this giant wall of 2300 LEDs, running interactive demos and YouTube clips. You’ll be able to read the how-to later in MAKE magazine.
I will also be giving a talk about the development of this 5 axis robot arm. The What, the Why, and the How for anyone who hasn’t already read the story so far.
I tell you now: If you are into robots you do NOT want to miss this talk.
Be there! September 26-27 at the New York Hall of Science in Queens, NY. I’ll post a map with our exactly booth location Friday, September 25, on my Instagram page. Follow so you don’t forget, and great insider pics from the bleeding edge of technology.
Marginally Clever’s very own Luke Brooks has been working overtime. Not only is he designing a 3D printer, not only does he film and edit all Marginally Clever videos, not only did he help on the Giant Wall of LEDs (coming to World Maker Faire 2015), but he also designs cool portable speaker systems. Made from laser cut parts, hot glue, and determination. At a moderate volume they’ll play for nearly 10 hours. That means it will outlast your phone battery!
Get all the details and the step-by-step pictures on the Vancouver Hack Space forums.
The electronic parts used in the kit are available here:
[products skus=’elec-0031, elec-0032, ELEC-0037, ELEC-0057′]
