SYSTEMS V1 DESIGN AND ASSEMBLY
Week of 03/08
Laura Maria Gonzalez + Sandy Curth
While the ultimate aim is to print large, we decided to start small and isolate components for testing. To begin we used existing parts that we have
on hand to build an extruder in order to test creating air pockets in clay. To do so we recreated the nozzle on the Potterbot. We added threads to the
nozzle to connect it to a plastic hose attachment and matching hose that feeds solid material to a nearby auger extruder.
An auger based system is used since it offers greater precision when depositing material and will also allow us to include/mix multiple flows of soil
components. We will start testing with clay and air as our two flows.
Sandy had quite a few parts that were useful for our first design including an air hose connector, plastic and brass hose attachments for air/fluid
and frosting tips! We also went to a local hardware store to get some ideas on ways to create air pockets. We left with two hose and aerator screens
that could be incorporated to the air or clay side. We will test the air screen first. We are concerned that adding a screen to the clay flow will clog
the system and create too much pressure build-up.
We used PLA to print the housing. A coupling connects the motor to the auger with two flows (air and clay) on opposite ends. The clay will be fed by
the Potterbot through the hose and an air compressor will insert air through a bowden tube controlled by an analog air gauge. Time to test!