Plastic Bender Machine

Plastic Bender project:
by Tomas Diez & Alex Schaub
A collaboration between fablab BCN and Amsterdam

Abstract:
We want to create  a (intelligent) plastic bender that can be reproduced in a fablab with the standard inventory of machines.

Requirments:
- automatic bending proces
- possibility for bending by hand
- programmable presets for different materials and thickness
- precision < 1mm (0.0393")
- bending lenth = 1.22m (48,03")
- bending angle = < 300 degree
- thickness = < 12mm (0.472")
- max sheet dimensions =  2.44 x 1.22m (96.06 x 48.03")

- costs = < 500$

Research:
- making your own heat element (heat adjustable)
- making a bend mechanism with stepper motors
- making a programmable interface to store presets

Some Ready mades available:

Heating element:
http://www.tapplastics.com/shop/product.php?pid=291&PHPSESSID=200902210219131850939851

a pneumatic plastic bender machine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrcFzXP3-aU&feature=related