Pandemic lockdowns have been brutal, but they’ve had the side-effect of spurring creativity and undertaking projects that are involved enough and complex enough to keep from going stir crazy. This CNC string art robot is a great example of what’s possible with a little imagination and a lot of time. (Video, embedded below.)
According to [knezuld11], the robot creates its art through mathematical algorithms via a Python program that translates them into nail positions and string paths. The modified CNC router frame, constructed of laser-cut plywood, has two interchangeable tool heads. The first places the nails, which are held in a small hopper. After being picked up by a servo-controlled magnetic arm and held vertically, a gear-driven ram pushes each nail into a board at just the right coordinates. After changing to a different tool, the robot is able to pick up one of nine different thread dispensers. A laser sensor verifies the thread nozzle position, and the thread starts its long journey around the nails. It’s a little mesmerizing to watch, and the art looks great, with a vibe that brings us right back to the 70s. Groovy, man.
This reminds us a little of a recent [Barton Dring] project that makes art from overlapping strings. That one was pretty cool for what it accomplished with just one thread color, while this one really brings color to the party. Take your pick, place your nails, and get stringing.
[Clint Jay] sent us the tip on this one. Thanks!
This is so awesome
Superb work
Very nice piece of engineering, makes me forget all the bad beer pong / candy / soap dispenser articles here
Perhaps it could be fuhrer developed into coil-winding machine for DIY SA radars?
Nein!!!
That is so rad! A machine that is more beautiful than the art it creates. That is often my opinion, I’m a proficient artist longing to be an engineer. Where many are longing to be an artist.
Oh yeah therrrre’s my Hackaday fix.
I remember making string art as a kid in school. I didn’t know this machine could exist, and I’m glad to see that it does!
This is awesome in so many ways for me. The HW engineering, the SW engineering. Just wow. It’s not landing rockets backwards, but right up that alley.
It makes me feel tired just thinking about the amount of work that went into this. Incredible job, well done!
where can I buy this machine?
Where can I buy this machine