Final Project CONCEPT
OPENSTAGE
A modular open source frame.
Built like a tray and based on a 2axis Cartesian movement, it allows you doing many things in different places.
Multi Tool
With a particular snap fit it is possible to connect many types of tools like laser diode, pen, inkjet cartridge, syringe ecc.
Modular
It is possible to combine 2 OPENstages to obtain a 4-axis machine, or add a single axis module to work in 3 dimensions, or add more axis, as you like.
Mechanics
The movimentation of OPENstage will be based on H-bot or maybe coreXY, and I will try to use only mechanical component that everyone can simply buy locally or on line.
Electronic
I have been working a lot with 3d printing lately and I know that it is very common to use a 5axis electronic board to move a simple 3 axis machine (plus one more for the extruder) I have also seen that many simple 2/3 axis plotters use this kind of electronic just because of its low price and because it is easy, but I think it is better, when in a lab, to choose the exact number of the axis and the controller that we need and then make the other ones with OPENstage! So I would like to create a modular controller, making 2 kinds of motor controllers: one for the basic 2 axis and one for the single axis module. In this way you can add and control as many axis as you want with the correct number of motor driver.
Software
At the moment I'm considering using GRBL; it is a simple Gcode interpreter, which is possible to load on an ATMEGA chip, and it basically allows you to control 4 axis plus some more tools.
Read more about GRBL
What can OPENstage do?
At the moment I find myself in the “concept step” but thinking about this project made me realize how many things it can actually do!
OPENstage is standalone and so is possible to use it everywhere also on the wall or on a car
I will tell more during this journey.
Images
