Week 12
This is my 12th week at FabAcademy. In this week we dealt with mechanical design, which has been very challenging and allowed me to integrate most of what I have learnt in Fab Academy so far. The assignment of the week consisted of:
group assignment
- design a machine that includes mechanism+actuation+automation+application
- build the mechanical parts and operate it manually
- document the group project and your individual contribution
Group Assignment
Inspired by the designs developed by other authors, see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy15lyZ27XQ&t=320s and https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=QDD4cAwSmsT80ntJ&v=iszZNNzIRAg&feature=youtu.be, we created a camera slider tailored to serve as a video recording hub building’s mock ups made by our students at the Faculty of Architecture of the University of A Coruña. The idea has been to create a machine that allows for professional recording of architectural mock ups and ideas, so hopefully it can be of high utility and interest to our school and the students. Achieving this machine required digital and parametric fabrication of 3D plastic parts, mechanical connectors, electronics design and fabrication, and electronics integration. Here you can see the full details of our group work: https://fabacademy.org/2025/labs/aindustriosa/week12.html
Individual Assignment
Regarding the individual work I covered the following tasks of this mechanical design:
Material Review - All
Conducted an inventory of required components for project execution, ensuring availability and proper management.
PCB Design - Pablo
Developed the PCB layout using KiCAD, focusing on optimal trace routing and component placement.
PCB Milling - Pablo and Pepe
Generated toolpaths from SVG files using VCarve and executed the milling process.
PCB Coding - Pepe and Francisco
Adjusted pin configurations and reviewed code provided by ProKnow’s to ensure compatibility with our setup.
Pre-Assembly of Components - Francisco and Pepe
Assembled components prior to final integration to assess overall system functionality.
Parametric Design in Grasshopper - Pepe
Designed and 3D printed a component integrating the toothed crown and camera mount into a single piece.
*GT2 Timing Belt Modeling in OpenSCAD - Francisco and Pepe
Calculated the required number of teeth, created a 3D model, and printed it using TPU on the Prusa MK3S+.
*Control Box and Mount Design - Francisco
Created parametric models for the control box and component mounts, optimized meshes, and performed precise dimensional adjustments for component integration.
Spacer Design and 3D Printing - Pablo
Designed and printed a spacer to be placed between both rails, enhancing the structure’s transverse rigidity.
Wiring Preparation - Pepe, Francisco and Pablo
Prepared motor wiring and installed cable protection sleeves to ensure organized and secure connections.
Testing and Movement Trials - Pepe, Francisco and Pablo
Conducted multiple tests and movement trials, leading to the redesign and re-fabrication of several components.
Website Media Selection - Pepe, Francisco and Pablo
Selected videos and photographs for organizing the sections of the group website and participated in reviewing and developing the website content.
Slide Preparation - Pepe##
Designed and assembled the presentation slide with assistance from Luis.
Video Preparation - Pablo and Francisco
Prepared a summary video showcasing the project’s development and outcomes, with support from Luis.