Automating my blast gates has been on my project list for a long time. Recently I came across a design I liked from a company charging $225 per gate — despite most of the parts being 3D printed. Partly out of principle and partly out of spite, I decided to make basically a 1:1 version of it.
works great and cost me about 15 bucks
Allows easier access for my vacuum. I have a standard adapter end I use on all of my tools to make connecting simple. Bonus is my vacuum card which includes some printed parts.
The attached video shows the mechams system functioning. Its not sped up, the oozing seen is due to a too large difference between the unload and load length, which can be modified in the gcode to basically 0. All other movements etc in regards to the swapping is customizable. I think a 1 to 1.5 minute swap is achievable.
For more info see our other socials:
Discord (coming later today)
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I have had an overall bad experience interacting on reddit in regards to my project.
I have therefore decided that this will be the last post on reddit related to MechAMS. The project is not over and I will continue working and expanding it to other printers with more accessories etc. Follow the other socials to stay posted for that!
I was tired of the shitty plastic cases these blades come in — they’re a pain to open and the blades always get stuck. Since I’ve been on a utility knife design spree, I figured it was time for a decent storage solution.
Designed this with a rotating tray so you can actually grab a blade without fighting the box. I made a desktop base and a wall-mount version since my workbench is always a mess anyway.