[0] Preliminary Ideas
There's a good reason why this class is called "How to make (Almost) Anything" - there's so many endless possibilities with the tools we have here that make it impossible to narrow down a final project plan. Initially daunting, I wanted to make some sort of machine for myself.After all, I've loved the way that 3D printers work, and it would be pretty amazing to build one such machine in the future. As a first-year in college with very little experience managing large projects, I knew this would be a challenging idea from the state. (future me agrees at 3AM).
So for this machine, I felt like a 3 axis system would be a good start (if I could get one axis that would be a miracle considering I don't know how to use stepper motors). This machine would move on linear actuators or rail systems, and the goal would be to literally assemble anything. So I chose LEGOS. Because why not? They're the perfect size, shape and are consistent (that is if you focus on LEGO Minecraft bricks!).
[1] Deeper Goals
To make it somewhat unique, I wanted it to have a magnetic or detacable end-affector, which is the item that sits on the rail and actually places the blocks. For example, large CNC shops have automatic tool-changers to save time, and it would be great to do that for different types of blocks in the far future.
In addition, this could have an infrared or vision camera that could find another set (eg test out with LEGO) and try to replicate it (difficult). This could teach me how to build a proper robotic arm with inverse kinematics involved, as well as understand how to assemble items together in the most efficient way, and route power towards the parts. This potentially involves casting as well as molding, electronics for stepper motors and cameras, and large cutting due to the size of the machinery and linear actuators.
Attached above are the potential plans for each week that I need to work on it, and the relative time that it would take to complete it (future me: I was dead wrong and completely underestimated the time it would take... I assumed each stage would take 3 - 5 days, when in reality took much more time).
This second model is an updated CAD design with the actual metal parts; I chose not to put the frames in with the stepper motors, because I'm still deciding on the power and torque needed. In addition, Fusion 360 doesn't play that well with stl files that I have created from other softwares in the past. But this should be enough to get the general aluminum parts, and I have the rest in CAD which will make it easier to assemble in the short term. It wil be similar to a prusa printer, since I want to potentially have a convertible 3 axis machine that is flexible with a variety of effectors. I know Jake is working on a mass producable design in the CBA shop, so I should reach out to him.
Another idea that came into mind is a COREXY printer. These are special since they use the same amount of motors but due to the way they are arranged do not have to move around the base and can move the end-affector much faster with higher precision. The tension on these machines have to be correctly aligned however, and this may be tricky for a normal belt. I'll keep it in the back of my mind for now though.