Embosser Mechanism Design

Contributor: David Litvak

Overview

Design Requirements: Create a motorized embosser that repeatedly presses a 3D-printed die of your own design into paper (or aluminum foil) at a constant rate. Should allow a user to swap out the paper in between presses.

Project Constraints:

Actuated with a 12-V 50-rpm motor, provided by instructors
Includes a gear train
Use the motor coupling that you make in Bray
Budget of $30 per team in the Nolop store
No tape
No hot glue
Powered by 9V battery, provided
Two different 2-part embosser dies, interchangeable
Maximum die size: 2”x2”
Ideal overall size: 8”x8”x8”, but can go up to a maximum of 12”x12”x12”
No 3D printing of major structural components or housing (i.e., no 3D printing of boxes, stands, beams, shafts, etc.)
5-10 stamps per minute

Documentation

Fig. 1 - Model of the Embosser Assembly

Fig. 2 - Image of the Embosser Assembly

Mechanism Design - Video.MOV

Movie 1. Video detailing how the embosser works.

Transcript

As the motor spins, the motor coupling rotates with it. The first gear in the gear train is mounted directly onto the motor coupling and the cam is connected to the gear box using spacers. As the cam rotates to the longest point it pushes the attachment plate down along the dowels and stretches the extension springs connecting the plate to the ceiling. The base of the holder passes through a slot in the bottom of the housing so that the uneven pressure of the cam does not make the system come out of alignment. At full extension, the dies interlock around the tin foil. As the cam rotates past the peak, the springs unstretch and the attachment plate is retracted back up into the housing, reaching its original position when the cam reaches the base circle. The dies can be changed out through the use of twist-in holders, by popping in the tabs on either side of the die into the holder and twisting to secure. The dies can be removed using the same technique.

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