Week 17: Applications and Implications

Tasks for  the week:

  •   Propose a final project that integrates the range of units covered, answering the following:

Final Assignment: "EX-TERRA-DUR" Terracotta Clay Extruder

What will it do?

It would be an extruder that would extrude Terracotta clay. Terracotta is locally available in my country 'India'. As a material, terracotta has been used by craftspeople all over the world to fabricate cultural products. Also, it has different consistency and composition than ceramic clay and is sustainable too.

 

My idea is to make an extruder using simple components and 'Fab-able' , so that the local craftspeople here can make it and use and this could make a "connection between digital fabrication and culture" by inviting craftspeople to use FabLab to produce cultural products.

 

Who's done what beforehand?

There are many clay printers and extruders already in the market. I being a student in a university, where we are given knowledge about our rich cultural heritage and sustainability, I wanted to implement my knowledge from Fabacademy into making a clay extruder so that it can be brought into practice and even inspire future students to initiate such machines that can build connection between culture and technology.

 

A few examples of clay extruders, which I have studied as reference can be seen below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What materials and components will be required?

Since I am planning to make it 'Fab-able', I would be using a few ready-made components along with a few custom made (3D-printed/ CNC milled/ Laser cutted) components that can be fabricated in the lab.

A detailed list can be found below in the bill of materials.

 

Where will they come from?

I have used materials that are availably in the local market so that anybody who wants to make it can easily access it. The sources have been mentioned in the bill of materials.

 

How much will it cost?

The total expense comes around 3500 INR.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What components will be made?

All components would be custom made except the syringe.

 

What processes will be used?

The following processes would be used:

Design: I am planning to make a design for the structure to allow change of diameter for the components where the syringe can be fixed.

 

Additive Process:3D printing- Components to hold motor and syringe

 

Subtractive processes:

CNC milling- Base to hold the assembly

Laser cutting- Box to hold circuits

 

Electronics:

Electronics production: Input- Sensor to stop the extrusion, Output- Stepper motor

Embedded programming: Programming the input and output boards using Arduino Uno/ Fabduino

 

What tasks need to be completed?

So far, I have tested out various clay samples that would be used for extrusion. The consistency need to be perfect for the extrusion to be smooth. Next, I am going to work on the electronics part and the structure.

I am planning to make a parametric structure to accommodate all types of syringes. For electronics I would be using the stepper motor circuit along with arduino to run the extruder.

 

What questions need to be answered?

The most important task is to code the motor such that it extrudes clay uniformly. Another is to try and make a shield that could control the motor.

 

What is the schedule?

I am done with the clay testing. So next week I plan to make mock ups of my circuit and the structure to see if everything works properly. Hopefully, I should be able to finish it in time.

Today 25th May: Finish the 3D modelling of the extruder

1st June: Complete fabricating all components and recieve the ordered hardware

6th June: Finish electronics design

8th June: Finish electronics production and start programming

13th June: Complete presentation video and slide

 

How will it be evaluated?

It can be evaluated on the basis of how it functions. Also, that the structure can be fabricated easily by anyone who wishes to take it further . It can also be evaluated on the basis of its simple design such that it can be easily mounted. Since the movement of the plunger for the syringe is programmed and is connected to the output device. It can be evaluated on the basis of how the networking happens between the input and output device on a system.