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This is my favorite personal project. The goal was to create a table that contained a system that created artistic patterns using a ball that rolled around in sand. In the middle of the project, I added the element of a transparent LCD touchscreen tabletop that could be used as an entertainment device.
This is my favorite personal project. The goal was to create a table that contained a system that created artistic patterns using a ball that rolled around in sand. In the middle of the project, I added the element of a transparent LCD touchscreen tabletop that could be used as an entertainment device.
I started the project by modeling all of the components in Fusion 360. This included the table itself as well as the CNC system that drives the metal ball and the mechanism that connects the transparent LCD screen to the table top.
I started the project by modeling all of the components in Fusion 360. This included the table itself as well as the CNC system that drives the metal ball and the mechanism that connects the transparent LCD screen to the table top.
The CNC mechanism of the table is constructed of aluminum V-slot 20x20 linear rails that are connected together by custom designed 3D printed pieces and driven by stepper motors and timing belts.
The CNC mechanism of the table is constructed of aluminum V-slot 20x20 linear rails that are connected together by custom designed 3D printed pieces and driven by stepper motors and timing belts.
To give the table a transparent LCD screen, I bought a secondhand monitor and stripped it of everything except the LCD panel and electronics.
To give the table a transparent LCD screen, I bought a secondhand monitor and stripped it of everything except the LCD panel and electronics.
The table's touchscreen feature was made using a capacitive touch film that I applied to the underside of the tempered glass table top that I back-painted with glossy black spray paint.
The table's touchscreen feature was made using a capacitive touch film that I applied to the underside of the tempered glass table top that I back-painted with glossy black spray paint.
The table itself is constructed of scrap wood and some of the most affordable lumber that I could find at Home Depot.
The table itself is constructed of scrap wood and some of the most affordable lumber that I could find at Home Depot.
Before the final construction of the table, I tested each of the functions individually.
Before the final construction of the table, I tested each of the functions individually.
I hung the monitor over the table to check that the LCD screen was visible and touched the capacitive touch film to make sure input was accepted.
I hung the monitor over the table to check that the LCD screen was visible and touched the capacitive touch film to make sure input was accepted.
Once the CNC mechanism was working soundly, I tested the metal ball in various materials. Most of the sand that I tried was to grainular and caused the ball to jerk around rather than roll smoothly. The ball mostly rolled smoothly in baking powder, but the patterns themselves were rough. After extensive testing, I found that the best sand was incredibly fine at 120 mesh and felt almost like dust.
Once the CNC mechanism was working soundly, I tested the metal ball in various materials. Most of the sand that I tried was to grainular and caused the ball to jerk around rather than roll smoothly. The ball mostly rolled smoothly in baking powder, but the patterns themselves were rough. After extensive testing, I found that the best sand was incredibly fine at 120 mesh and felt almost like dust.
I am proud of the final result of the table as each of the functions work as I had intended. More valuable to me than the table itself is the experience I gained from working on it. The designing, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and project planning were all equal parts fun and educational. The project also gave me experience using equipment that I did not previously have exposure to such as woodworking tools like a router and drill press, or hardware such as the capacitive touch film.
I am proud of the final result of the table as each of the functions work as I had intended. More valuable to me than the table itself is the experience I gained from working on it. The designing, troubleshooting, problem-solving, and project planning were all equal parts fun and educational. The project also gave me experience using equipment that I did not previously have exposure to such as woodworking tools like a router and drill press, or hardware such as the capacitive touch film.
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