Digital designs for real, physical objects. A Universe of Things!

This thing is a Work in Progress. Expect the files and instructions for this thing to change.

Bot-of-the-Cloth

Created by
frankie
Created on Feb 22, 2011
Featured on Feb 22, 2011

A fabric-based portable XY gantry. The two driving ideas behind the design are the way in which the string is wound in order to achieve two degrees of freedom, and the notion of 3D printing components with eyelets so that they can be sewn onto fabric.

The components were printed on a Dimension FDM machine with support material. Some post-processing was necessary to enlarge holes for bearing shafts and bearings. I'd imagine that you could print on a Makerbot and still get a useable component after additional post-print work. I'm using surplus gearhead motors which I found on ebay, but stepper motors could be easily adapted by changing the drive holder.

Additional information and media regarding the project can be found here:

newtextiles.media.mit.edu/?p=570