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Transforming Birthday Cake

Birthday cake on a moving platform that sounds and transforms like Optimus Prime.

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A while back I released a video of a transforming birthday cake my wife and I made for our son. https://youtu.be/jtvTV-FrupU Amazingly the video went viral and since then I have been regularly asked by eager makers how to make one of their own.

So I started this project to feedback all the lessons learnt from the video version and bring you an easier project that you can build at home for your kids... both little and big.

Please Like or Follow the project or you can follow me @lownlazy (https://twitter.com/lownlazy)

All questions and comments are welcome!

Project Outline

  • document the development process to include others in on the fun
  • use cheap off-the-shelf parts where possible
  • design all custom parts to be made with either a laser cutter or a 3D Printer
  • Simply the electronics
  • Write assembly instructions and make assembly videos (When the above is complete)


Transforming Cake - Beta.zip

All the STL files for 3D printing

x-zip-compressed - 3.52 MB - 06/25/2017 at 04:19

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Base - Drawing with dimensions.PNG

Drawing with Dimensions if you want to make the base by hand. Though I highly recommend getting it lasercut with the dwg file, it will make for nice smooth movement.

Portable Network Graphics (PNG) - 59.52 kB - 06/08/2017 at 13:48

Preview
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base - lasercut.dwg

Using template from https://www.ponoko.com/

DWG Drawing - 49.99 kB - 06/08/2017 at 12:32

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up-exploded1.JPG

Diagram with STL part names and glue points.

JPEG Image - 189.96 kB - 04/30/2017 at 03:25

Preview
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tcake-3.0.avi

Proposed simplified design for the transforming cake.

Audio Video Interleave (AVI) - 8.80 MB - 11/18/2016 at 05:38

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View all 9 components

  • First Member Build!

    Russell Munro06/25/2017 at 05:36 0 comments

    I'm thrilled to announce that project member Anna from Scotland is the first to tackle this project. It was a struggle at times for Anna and her husband but they persevered and create a fabulous cake for their friends son.

    Anna has provided heaps of feedback which I have used to improve the project information for all to come.


  • Bring the Base

    Russell Munro06/08/2017 at 14:00 0 comments

    I have uploaded 2 files for the base: a dxg file for lasercutting and a drawing with dimensions, if you are feeling brave and want to make the base yourself.

  • Exploded

    Russell Munro04/30/2017 at 03:24 0 comments

    Here is a exploded view for the full sized STL parts. The names are those of the fill sized STL files. I have indicated where parts need to be glued together.

  • Progress Video

    Russell Munro03/28/2017 at 13:53 0 comments

  • Taking shape

    Russell Munro03/25/2017 at 13:58 0 comments

    The first run of the printing is done and I'm really happy with the proportions and the standing motions some of parts aren't playing as well together.

    In my experience with 3D modelling and printing this is to be expected. 3D modeling is great for designing the parts but as for interactions, how parts move with each other, there is little substitute for the real thing. So I have a few refinements to make, mostly on how the arms open and shut and how the head is raised and lowered.

    In the picture you can see the little lead and steel weights I am using as stand-ins for the cake to make sure the motor and batteries are up the the task.

    Also pictured is the switch (top-left corner) that I am using to activate the open and down motion for testing. Currently it is a simple switch, no Arduino yet. I am using 6AA batteries for about 8v of power and so far this seems to be enough juice to lift the frame with 900 grams of weight in 6 seconds.

    As soon as I am happy I will post a video and the STLs soon after.

  • Printing and planning

    Russell Munro02/14/2017 at 14:59 0 comments

    I have started 3D printing and so far, so good. There are are many pieces to print so whilst that is happening I have started on the actuation design. Using a gearmotor, leadscrew (m4 thread rod) and micro switched for end-stops.

  • Lasercutting!

    Russell Munro02/09/2017 at 00:05 0 comments

    This week I received my Laser cut base from Ponoko. I think Ponoko will be my go-to online shop for Laser cut from now on. I was really chuffed with their service: functional and easy to use web site app, automated price quotes and fast turn around time. Plus $20 off my first order.. niiice.

    The only trade off for this efficiency is that they use set sheet/template sizes so I had to shrink the bases design a little too get it to fit in the most affordable template.

    A little bit of masking tape and wood glue and the base is now complete.

  • Printing... almost

    Russell Munro01/26/2017 at 23:59 0 comments

    Two rolls of lovely blue and red ESun PLA filament arrived yesterday from hobbyking.com

    I'm excited to get started printing but to avoid wasting time or filament I started with a test print (see montage pic), because there are moving parts it's important to get the fit right.

    I'm printing on a lulzbot mini using default medium speed settings profile. I'm aware not all 3D printers are as good as the Mini so I am making the gaps between pin and barrel wider than I normal do. Additionally all the holes sizes are common metric drill bit sides (namely 2.5, 6 and 10mm) so if your printer gets over excited you can just drill the hole to clean them up.

    In the original cake I used M3 bolts which are more at home in metal than plastic. This time I am using common hardware wood screws. Only two types: 25mm to securely join the feet to the base and 9mm everywhere else.

    The tests print gave me the feedback I need so I can now start printing and begin the print-fail-feedback-repeat cycle until I am happy with the 3D models, then I will publish the stl's here on hackaday.

  • Body beautiful

    Russell Munro01/15/2017 at 01:32 0 comments

    Recently I have been preparing the body parts for printing and assembly. Adding tolerances (gaps between parts) , beveling (removing square edges for cleaner prints) and adding little pegs with holes so the whole thing can be assembled with the same sized small screws.

    I'm just waiting on some red and blue PLA filament to arrive to print some test parts and check all my guesses.

    As we are creating something that will interact with food we need to be food safe. PLA is considered food safe (It's made from corn starch) and we will use food-safe petrolium jelly as a lubricant in all the joints.

  • Uplifting thoughts

    Russell Munro01/02/2017 at 07:14 0 comments

    Where the original cake had 2 motors, the new cake will have only one.

    This time instead of an expensive stepper motor I want to use a DC motor with a leadscrew (pictured below) because they are cheap ($5 from Ebay) and the control electronics, a DC motor controller shield, is also affordably prices on eBay.

    The Cake, including icing, will weight an estimated 1.6kg (3.5lbs). But because of the leverage of the lifting arm the motor will have to move 3x that, 4.8kg (10.5lbs)

    I hope to use no more than 6 AA batteries to power the electronic but there is a bit of trial and error to come after my parts arrive in a few weeks.

    Naturally I will create a BOM (Bill of Materials) as the project progresses which will include a list of all the final electronics and links of where to buy them.

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Discussions

Keith wrote 09/20/2017 at 05:17 point

Hi. I have a question. Regarding the motor. The link you provided is for the real motor as in the one we should buy coz it shows a lists of motors. Also do we need to buy with the encoder or without? 

  Are you sure? yes | no

Anna Olk wrote 05/30/2017 at 14:19 point

Hi Russel. I was wondering - some elements are needed to be printed once (like  the "chest" or head plate, as well this U shaped element that connects to the motor...What about rest of elements? I'm trying to figure it out from this coloured drawing you uploaded, but seems my 3D imagination is not that great. I'm especially stuck with hinges and chassis elements... 2x both shin and foot, 2 arms and arm hinges, 2 shin platforms...but do I need 4x connection rods?
I'd appreciate every help! Thanks!
Anna

  Are you sure? yes | no

Anna Olk wrote 05/30/2017 at 15:47 point

I figured that out just now:
Elements such as BASE, CAB FRONT, CAB SUPPORT, CAB FRONT B, WING need to be printed only once.

Elements such as PUSHROD and SHIN INNER 0.3 must be printed twice, no need to have mirror flip.

CONNECTING ROD needs to be printed x4.

All other elements have to be printed once as original file and second time as a MIRROR FLIP (for example arms or legs elements).

This is very important as I've ordered 3D prints and didn't think of this at the first point.

Also, can we make the base from some plywood? We don't have laser cutter so obviously, we would try to do it this way...








  Are you sure? yes | no

Russell Munro wrote 06/08/2017 at 12:28 point

Hi Anna

So sorry for the delay, I didnt get an notification informing me of your post. Yes you are completely correct. I will mention this in the file notes.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Russell Munro wrote 06/08/2017 at 13:57 point

Yes you can make it out of plywood if you like but make sure to get the edges of the mounting rectangle "holes" nice and smooth. The 3d printed leavers might catch there and cause you trouble. I have uploaded a template for https://www.ponoko.com/, I recommend using them, they are great and it will save you a bunch of time and hassle.

Also, thanks for your feedback about the 3D printing.

  Are you sure? yes | no

Russell Munro wrote 04/15/2017 at 02:27 point

Hi JahFyahh, thanks for getting in contact and reminding me to do this, I have uploaded the STL files. If you run into any issues or need more information just let me know.
They are for a 3D printer with a 6" build plate, what size printer do you have?

  Are you sure? yes | no

JahFyahh wrote 04/22/2017 at 16:37 point

Hi Russell, thank you for uploading the files. Unfortunatlly i dont had a 3D printer yet, so I will be relying on a third party, namely Shapeways. Thank you, If need be I will let you know. 

  Are you sure? yes | no

lownlazy wrote 04/23/2017 at 01:33 point

shapeways is good but can be expensive. Check out 3dhubs.com as an affordable alternative

  Are you sure? yes | no

JahFyahh wrote 04/26/2017 at 15:53 point

Hi Russel, I was wondering do I need to print all the parts, The ones for 6 inch plate, and the ones bigger than a 6 inch plate?

  Are you sure? yes | no

Russell Munro wrote 04/27/2017 at 04:47 point

Hi JayFyahh I just create a new zip file with all the full size STL files. NOTE that you will have to print the mirror side of the legs and arms. I will soon create a diagram explaining how the pieces come together.

  Are you sure? yes | no

JahFyahh wrote 04/14/2017 at 16:10 point

Hi Russell, love the project and i would like to build it for my son. His birthday is coming up this june, will you upload the 3D files soon? I would be happy with the old files so I can build from there. 

  Are you sure? yes | no

Russell Munro wrote 01/02/2017 at 06:54 point

Hi Katrina, I haven't release any 3D file yet. I will as soon as they are ready.

  Are you sure? yes | no

katrina.wilson07 wrote 01/01/2017 at 21:56 point

I'm very interested in making this for my sons birthday. I can't open the file. 

  Are you sure? yes | no

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