[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ specialty=”on” _builder_version=”4.5.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”19px|||||”][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ specialty_columns=”3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”4.5.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#3371a3″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.5.0″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Header in blue background” _builder_version=”4.5.0″ text_font=”|700|||||||” text_text_color=”#ffffff” text_font_size=”30px” custom_margin=”|||10px|false|false” custom_padding=”|||10px|false|false”]Avoiding Bent Pins[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][et_pb_row_inner _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”18px|||||”][et_pb_column_inner saved_specialty_column_type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” min_height=”460px” custom_margin=”||-41px|||”]
Sometimes the answer is in the trash.
The background: while assembling a batch of HobbyCNC PRO boards, I was noticing how neatly the 23-pin driver chip dropped into the PC board. Then I had one chip with one lead, just one, slightly out of alignment. That particular chip was a lot more work to get it into the board.
Then I realized that how I’ve been shipping my kits with 3-or-4 driver chips dropped into an antistatic bag. This pretty much guaranteed mis-aligned pins on these driver chips after shipping. Not cool for my customers. Then it hit me. Rather than just throw-away the plastic tubes in which I receive the chips – how about I cut them into 3-or-4 chip-length “mini tubes” and ship the chips safely inside these new, shortened tubes.
The idea worked great, but trying to cut the tubes by using a ruler to measure the length each time was slow and inaccurate.
3D printer to the rescue. Now, I do love my DIY CNC machine, but sometimes you’ve got to add material, not remove it! I designed a platform to fit my old Sears Handi-cut tool.This tool has a removable lower platform that is held in place by a single screw.
I designed (Fusion 360) and made (MakerBot Replicator 2X) a platform with two stops (a fixed stop for a 4-IC tube, and a removable stop for a 3-IC tube. It works great, it’s fast, safe and accurate!
Damn I love CAD/CAM
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Drawing & Measurements (Fusion 360)
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Measuring tool attached to the cutter with 3-and-4 IC tubes.
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