Assignment Requirements

0) Group Assignment — Machine Design and Collaborative Development

The group assignment for Week 12 was developed across two main physical spaces, beginning at the Fab Lab Universidad del Pacífico and later continuing at Fab Lab UNI. This distributed workflow allowed us to combine collective ideation with hands-on fabrication and testing.

At Fab Lab Universidad del Pacífico, the entire team gathered to define the direction of the project. This initial session focused on brainstorming and aligning ideas, where we discussed the purpose, function, and potential impact of the machine we wanted to build.

The main objective that emerged from this session was to design a machine capable of processing organic materials to generate biomaterials, inspired by the context of the Peruvian jungle and the concept of regenerative design.

Initial brainstorming session at Fab Lab Universidad del Pacífico.

Collaborative definition of the machine concept and workflow.

After defining the concept, the development continued at Fab Lab UNI, where we focused on prototyping, fabrication, and testing. This space became key for advancing the project, since it provided access to digital fabrication tools and allowed us to experiment with real components.

Due to the complexity of the assignment and our current level of experience, the individual work was also developed collaboratively alongside Carmencita and Gianfranco. Instead of working in isolation, we supported each other throughout the process, sharing knowledge and solving problems together.

This collaborative approach reflects the logic of the Fab Lab Itinerante model, where learning is not only individual but also collective, allowing us to move forward even when facing technical challenges.

Development and prototyping process at Fab Lab UNI.

As a team, we structured the project around a series of key stages that guided the development of the machine:

• Define the purpose of the machine (biomaterial production)
• Analyze available resources and constraints
• Propose a feasible and scalable solution
• Design mechanical components and system workflow
• Fabricate, assemble, and test the prototype

This process allowed us to transition from an abstract idea into a tangible system, combining design, fabrication, and experimentation within a collaborative environment.

1) Initial Approach — Defining the Machine

At the beginning of this week, the main challenge was not technical but conceptual. Unlike previous assignments where the objective was clearly defined, in this case we had to determine what type of machine we wanted to design and why.

Through group discussions, we explored different possibilities, focusing on projects that could generate both environmental and social impact. This led us to consider the potential of working with organic materials and natural fibers.

The idea evolved into designing a machine capable of transforming raw organic matter into usable biomaterials. This approach aligns with regenerative design principles, where the goal is not only to fabricate objects but to create systems that interact positively with their environment.

This initial phase was fundamental, as it allowed us to establish a clear direction for the project before moving into technical development.

Early concept discussions and definition of machine purpose.

2) Machine Concept — Smart Shredder

After defining the general direction of the project, we converged on the idea of developing a Smart Shredder, a machine designed to process organic fibers and prepare them for biomaterial production.

The system focuses on breaking down natural elements such as banana trunk, coconut fibers, pineapple leaves, and other organic waste. These materials are then transformed into a pulp that can be used for applications such as bio-paper or other sustainable products.

The concept of the Smart Shredder is not only mechanical but systemic. It integrates multiple processes into a workflow:

• Collection of organic material
• Mechanical shredding of fibers
• Preparation for further processing (cooking and blending)

This approach allowed us to understand the machine not as an isolated object, but as part of a larger production system.

Defining this workflow was key to determining the mechanical requirements, such as blade geometry, torque needs, and structural configuration.

Conceptual diagram of the Smart Shredder system.

Workflow from organic material to biomaterial production.

3) System Thinking — From Idea to Machine

One of the most important aspects of this week was understanding that designing a machine is not only about creating a physical structure, but about defining a complete system.

We began to think in terms of inputs, processes, and outputs:

• Input: organic fibers and raw natural materials
• Process: shredding, transformation, and preparation
• Output: processed fiber ready for biomaterial production

This system-based thinking helped us organize the project and identify the key components required for the machine to function correctly.

It also allowed us to connect this assignment with previous weeks, especially those related to electronics, input/output devices, and embedded systems, which will later be integrated into the machine.

Understanding the machine as a system of inputs, processes, and outputs.

4) Mechanical Design — CAD Development

Once the concept of the Smart Shredder was defined, the next step was translating the idea into a mechanical system through digital design. This phase focused on developing the geometry, components, and structure of the machine using CAD tools.

One of the key elements of the design was the shredding mechanism. Instead of creating a single cutting element, we explored a modular system composed of multiple blades organized along a rotating shaft.

Each blade was designed to have an aggressive external geometry capable of breaking fibers, while also maintaining an internal structure that allows alignment and assembly within the system.

This modular logic enables scalability and adaptability, allowing the machine to be modified depending on the type of material being processed.

Design of individual shredding blade components.

Assembly logic of multiple blades along the shaft.

5) Structural Design — Cutting Chamber

In parallel with the blade system, we developed the structural components of the machine, including the main cutting chamber. This element acts as the housing that contains and supports the entire shredding mechanism.

The design needed to consider multiple constraints, such as mechanical resistance, alignment of rotating parts, and the integration of bearings and motor supports.

Additionally, the geometry had to ensure a continuous flow of material, avoiding blockages during operation and allowing the fibers to move efficiently through the system.

This phase was essential to ensure that the machine would not only function conceptually, but also operate physically under real conditions.

Main cutting chamber and structural configuration.

6) Digital Fabrication — Prototyping

After completing the CAD design, we moved into the digital fabrication phase, where the components were prepared for physical production.

For prototyping, we used 3D printing as the primary method, allowing us to quickly test the geometry and functionality of the parts. Materials such as PLA and ABS were used depending on the requirements of each component.

The preparation process included configuring parameters such as layer height, supports, and infill density to ensure structural stability while optimizing printing time.

This iterative process allowed us to refine the design through testing, identifying errors and improving the components before moving to more advanced fabrication stages.

Preparation and setup for 3D printing.

Initial printed components for testing.

7) Mechanical Assembly — System Integration

Once the components were fabricated, the next step was assembling the system. This phase involved integrating the blades, shafts, supports, and structural elements into a functional prototype.

One of the key challenges during assembly was ensuring proper alignment of rotating components, as small deviations could affect the performance of the machine.

We also began to integrate the transmission system, connecting the motor to the shredding mechanism in order to transfer torque effectively.

This stage marked the transition from isolated components to a working mechanical system, bringing the project closer to its functional objective.

Assembly of the mechanical system and initial integration tests.

8) Electronic Integration — Control System

After developing the mechanical structure of the machine, the next step was integrating an electronic system capable of controlling and automating its behavior.

The control system is based on an ESP32 microcontroller, which acts as the central unit that processes data and manages the interaction between different components of the machine.

This system allows the machine to evolve from a purely mechanical device into an intelligent system, capable of responding to inputs and controlling outputs dynamically.

The integration of electronics opens the possibility of automation, monitoring, and future connectivity, aligning the project with the principles explored in previous weeks of Fab Academy.

Integration of electronic components and control system.

9) Custom PCB — System Development

To manage the different components of the system, a custom PCB was developed based on the Xiao ESP32-C3 microcontroller. This board integrates sensors, actuators, and communication modules into a single platform.

Designing the PCB allowed us to optimize the connections and create a more compact and efficient system, reducing the complexity of external wiring.

Additionally, this approach enables scalability, allowing multiple modules to be connected and deployed in different contexts.

This step connects directly with previous weeks, where we learned about electronics design, PCB fabrication, and embedded programming.

Custom PCB design for system control.

Fabrication and testing of the PCB.

10) Control Logic — Automation and Behavior

The system behavior is based on the interaction between sensors, processing, and actuation. The microcontroller receives data, processes it, and executes actions accordingly.

This creates a logic flow similar to previous assignments:

• Input: environmental data or user interaction
• Processing: decision-making inside the microcontroller
• Output: activation of motors or system responses

Even though the current prototype is still in development, this logic defines how the machine will behave once fully implemented.

This integration demonstrates how mechanical systems can be enhanced through embedded intelligence, transforming static machines into adaptive systems.

System logic connecting input, processing, and output.

11) Testing and Iteration

Once the mechanical and electronic systems were integrated, we began testing the machine to evaluate its performance.

This phase involved identifying issues such as misalignment, material resistance, and mechanical stress, as well as verifying the behavior of electronic components.

The iterative process was essential, as each test provided new information that allowed us to refine the design and improve the system.

Testing not only validated the functionality of the machine, but also revealed opportunities for future improvements and optimization.