https://github.com/birneamstiel/linkage-fab
Create ready to cut linkages from constrain based representations.
https://github.com/birneamstiel/linkage-fab
lasercut linkages shapely solvespace
Last synced: 2 months ago
JSON representation
Create ready to cut linkages from constrain based representations.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/birneamstiel/linkage-fab
- Owner: birneamstiel
- Created: 2023-02-13T11:21:31.000Z (over 3 years ago)
- Default Branch: master
- Last Pushed: 2023-02-13T16:08:42.000Z (over 3 years ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-03-04T16:46:58.821Z (over 1 year ago)
- Topics: lasercut, linkages, shapely, solvespace
- Language: Python
- Homepage:
- Size: 10.7 MB
- Stars: 0
- Watchers: 1
- Forks: 0
- Open Issues: 0
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
# LinkageFab: Linkage Converter For Fabrication
This tool allows the creation of ready-to-cut linkages from a given linkage configuration. It parses a given linkage, creates a immediate graph representation and generates an output file which can be used for fabricating the linkage.
### Input
The main objective when creating this tool was to have a way of fabricating linkage systems designed within [solvespace](solvespace.com). The linkage can be provided as solvespace document (.slvs file) where all line segments will be treated as rigid links and joints will be created from spatial proximity.
### Output
Currently the only supported output format is a svg cutting plan for creating an easy to produce prototype from e.g. wood (using a laser cutter) or cardboard (using a cutting plotter). See Fabrication section for detailed guidance on how to cut and assemble.
## How to use
#### Install dependencies
Install all dependencies necessary to run this tool by calling: ```
```
pip install -r requirements.txt
```
(requires python3)
#### Run
* create svg file for fabrication with:
```
python3 src/linkage_fab.py sample/saxena.slvs --output linkages.svg
```
* this creates two files:
* `linkages.svg` --> can be sent to laser cutter directly for fabrication, (geometry `red` should be cut, labels in `blue` engraved )
* `linkages_assembly_manual.svg` --> a rendering of the assembled linkage showing the position for each hub
#### Fabricate
* The exported svg can be cut using a laser cutter or cutting plotter.
* Different materials can be used, e.g. cardboard or wood. Make sure the picked material is stiff enough for the linkages to stay rigid.
* The blue letters contained within the cutting layout should be engraved or drawn onto the fabricated linkages to simplify assembly.
#### Assemble
* Depending on the material used, pick a suitable method for connecting the linkages.
* You need to connect the linkages tightly but leave enough freedom to rotate around an axes.
* Suitable conenction systems could be bolts or rivets (for paper/fabric).
* The created assembly manual will help identifying matching linkages.
## Example Linkages
* Parallelogram: a simple linkage system forming a parallelogram
* Saxena: a sophisticated linkage system as described in [Kempe’s Linkages and the Universality Theorem (by Anupam Saxena)](https://www.ias.ac.in/article/fulltext/reso/016/03/0220-0237)
* Mulitplicator Gadget: a linkage modeling [Kempes multiplicator gadget](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kempe%27s_universality_theorem)
* [Peaucellier Lipkin linkage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peaucellier–Lipkin_linkage)
## Future Work
* implement angle constraints
* find a way for modeling fixed hubs/joints
* svg postprocessing (e.g. remove duplicate paths for hubs)
* extend assembly manual by assembly order
* come up with temporary assembly aid (for holding linkages in place before connecting finally)
* take material thickness into account (important for thicker materials, like wood)