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By Andy Yeh
About 2 years ago, I saw a youtube video about this laser spirograph machine. Finally, I got some time to make one of my own. I could have a simpler build with cardboard and hot glue gun etc., but because of I have access to 3D printing and laser cutting, so I modelled and designed in TinkerCad, then 3D printed to make one... err, two prototypes so far, and working on ptototype 3 at the momnet.
First, let's take a look of what it is like in video on the right:
The two prototypes are in the picture below.
The prototype 1 on the left (green) is more complicated to prototype 2 on the right (grey and white). It has two more switches on the front panel that can reverse polarity of the DC motors so the motors can change direction of rotation. To reverse polarity, a 6 pin switch is required.
However, after playing with prototype 1, I found that reversing direction of rotation is not necessary as they produce same spirographs that prototype 2 can also achieve. The types of spirograph has more to do with rotation speed of motors.
The components required.
3D printed parts:
Case bottom
Case top
Laser bracket x 1
Motor bracket x 2
mirror bracket x 2
Electronic parts:
Motor controller x 2
Laser pointer module x 1
130 Toy DC motor x 2
On/off Switch x 1
Battery holder and some wires
Wire connector (optional, could solder)
Other materials:
Mirror sticker x 2
M3 5mm screw x 8
AA battery x 4
With all components. Installation could take an hour or so. Some tools such as screw drivers and soldering are required.
This hands-on maker activity is suitable for upper primary and secondary students. Students could learn about circuit, switch, DC motor, motor speed control, physics (angle of incidence equals to angle of reflection to plan for the mirror angle), and the mathematics of spirograph. Deeper learning about how and why the spirographs as well as potential coding of turtle geometry could be implemented with scratch (example below).
For the prototype, what would you like to improve? Leave a message below to let me know.
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