Laser Cutting and 3D Printing
Rapid Prototyping Stamp Machine
An automatically resetting stamp machine, fabricated using rapid prototyping processes.
1. To create a self-resetting stamp machine out of rapid prototyping materials and resources
2. To gain proficiency in rapid prototyping processes such as 3D printing and laser cutting
3. To establish smooth and precise motion of the stamp lever by converting a rotary motion into linear actuation
Objective
I used a three-linkage slider crank mechanism that converts the rotation of a lever around a pivot into the downwards actuation of the stamp. The spring pulls the lever back into place after stamping. The stamp pad is mounted on a sliding acrylic piece with bent edges to guide its motion, allowing it to slide backwards so the user to easily position a card for stamping.
Outcome
Prototyping
First Iteration
A very rudimentary prototype revealed that the two lever system prevented the white lever from being purely vertical, causing a stamping force that was not fully orthogonally (non-ideal).
Second Iteration
I added a linkage between the levers to change the direction of the force applied on the bottom lever, isolating for the orthogonal forces.
Final CAD and Instructions for Use
Exploded Assembly and BOM
Skills and Takeaways
-
Prototype everything!
-
Measure at least three times, cut once
-
Learning and prototyping many basic engineering mechanisms that have informed many of my designs since