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About this project
About this project
In the test lab there is a MicroVu machine that can be used to inspect small details in parts using a camera at the top. The part can be moved relative to the camera by turning each of handles in the x, y, and z axes. This is extremely inconvenient as the user has to get up from their seat and go back and forth to get the part in its optimal position.
I took initiative to give this machine an upgrade by removing the handles and replacing them with stepper motors to allow the user to more easily control the MicroVu. I 3D printed a custom mount to fit over the motors and connect to each axis of the machine. I connected each motor to a motor driver that fits over an Arduino board. I then programmed each motor to respond to an analog signal coming from a Wii nunchuk. The joystick controls the X and Y position while the two buttons in the back of the controller regulate the camera position.
The end result was smooth control of the moving stage with just one hand, which reduces the average measurement time by 50%. The videos below show a before and after following this automation upgrade.
stepper_motors code
MicrosoftTeams-video (1).mp4MicrosoftTeams-video.mp4Page updated
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