These were a few basic sketches by my team-mate Siddharth, that explains the idea of 3-Axial movement of the light printer.

Our initial idea was to make a machine that moves in X, Y and Z axis onto which we shall attach an LED light source that would move along the

Stage 01:

Machine Design:

We first started with a sketch to understand the position of components and their contribution to the 3-axis movement. Below are the initial sketches that we did to explore ways to implement a 3- axial movement.  

Prototyping:

Base Reference: MTM module

Techinque of fabrication: CNC cutting

To begin with, we used the MTM modules designed by Nadya Peek.

My teammates made an assembly using the 3D files available, whereas I contributed in creating graphical views of the assembly.

To begin with, we used the MTM modules designed by Nadya Peek.

 3D view of the initial model made using modules availabe at this link.

My contribution this week:

As mentioned, my team mates prepared the 3D for the assembly, So initially I contributed by rendering views out of the 3D that can be used as a part of the documentation.

Later this week, we discussed about the components that would required. A few components were unavailable at our Lab, hence, being the localite, I went to source them in my city.

Siddharth had prepared the list of mechanical and electrical components that would be required, hence Siddharth and I went to source materials from that list. Fabricating the components was done by my team-mates, and I helped them assemble the components. All in all each of us contributed by helping each other at every stage required. It was a fun week with good team spirit and co-ordination.

Stage 02:

Design Modifications:

Instead of following the MTM module 3- Axis design, we decided to make it a little complex by making a composite system that included 'Belt-Motor drive' mechanism for the 'X' and 'Z' axis and 'Lead Screw Motor drive' mechanism for the 'Y' axis.

For this, we used the MTM module for the ''Lead Screw Motor drive' mechanism and designed a frame for the 'Belt-Motor drive' mechanism which would sit onto the moving platform of the 'Y' axis module.

This sketch explains the modified idea of having two mechanisms in one machine

3D view of  the modified form of the 3D Light Painting Rig. The 3D file can be accessed here.

Above seen are the drawings that we prepared for the modified form of the 3D Light Painting Rig. These files can be accessed here.

Opportunities and improvements for the design:

Opportunities:

• Since the LED shall be like a mountable device, it can be replaced by an LED array to achieve a light printed object that is formed by multiple lines. More than one LED shall also help to add various colours to the printed object.
• Also, RGB led can be used and programmed to achieve ombre light shades for the printed object.

Improvements:

• The provision for motor needs to be resolved as placing  anti-gravity generates vibrations while moving the motor that hinder the smooth movement.
•  The over all structure can be more refined to allow larger scale of the machine and smoother movement.

Issue:01

Provision to fix motor

Issue:02

Refined Structure

Process of Assembling:

> Week 10