Page 299 - Making things move_ DIY mechanisms for inventors, hobbyists, and artists

276 Making Things Move

Another method for making functional parts is called stereolithography (SLA). It uses
light to cure a special plastic resin in layers, so a solid part rises up out of a pool of
goop. All these parts end up a whitish or yellowish tint, since the base material needs
to be light-curable. Other 3D printing machines use different kinds of powders along
with some kind of binder or heat to melt the powder together in layers. A commercial
example is Z Corp, and an awesome example is CandyFab from Evil Mad Scientist
Laboratories, which prints 3D objects out of layers of melted sugar.

Integration

Integration is where all the off-the-shelf motors, nuts, and bolts come in to create a
moving thing out of your pile of parts. This is usually the most fun and frustrating step
in making things move. The rule of pi applies here as well.

NOTE Here are some words of wisdom to keep in mind: If it moves and it
shouldn’t, use duct tape. If it doesn’t move and it should, use WD-40.

Analog
You’re familiar with tools used to assemble things by hand. Screwdrivers, hammers,
clamps, wrenches, and the like need no introduction. As discussed in Chapter 7, shims
of various materials and sizes are always good to have around as well, as they fill in gaps.

Digital

While you can simulate an assembly digitally through 3D modeling software, the only
digital way to assemble real-world parts is with a robot. Since we don’t have thousands
of dollars for assembly-line robots and pick-and-place machines, this means we’re
usually stuck with analog assembly. You can automate this process a bit by making
exploded views of assemblies if you used CAD software in your design phase.

Proliferation

Proliferation is the phase where you share what you’ve done. Show it, teach it, get
feedback, sell it, make it better, and then start on the next iteration—or inspire
someone else to—and close the loop on the making things move ecosystem.