MakerBeam Makes Beams!

By on October 15th, 2009 in blog

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And a lot more, it turns out. The MakerBeam project intends on providing a massive library of open source hardware connectors, all reusable and designed to interoperate.

Their first big venture is Mini-T, which is a

precisely downscaled model of larger T-slot building systems. It consists of extruded aluminum beams, 1 cm on a side, and various connectors and panels that slot into the sides of the beam, making up the full MakerBeam system.

and

MakerBeam is developing the Mini-T standard for open source hardware. Mini-T is a scaled down form of T-slot, an existing standard in building. T-slot is widely used for prototyping, automation, and enclosure; Mini-T will do all that, and a whole lot more.

The Mini-T design can be scaled up by factors of 2.5, 4 or 6 if necessary.

Be sure to watch the video, as Sam provides a great overview of the project.

MakerBeam is not stopping with T-slots; they have intentions of providing designs for all manner of connectors:

MakerBeam parts will allow for all kinds of dynamic motion as well. Hinges to animate edges, pivots for end-to-end beams, slides for beams to move along each other, and other basic mechanical connectors will be an integral part of the system.

and

we want it to work with every conceivable kind of gadget, widget, doohicky or sprocket out there.

MakerBeam mentions a few other areas they’d like to get into:

  • Stepper Motors
  • Servos
  • Hydraulics
  • Pneumatics
  • Microcontrollers
  • Solar Panels
  • Sensors
  • RC car motors
  • Robotics packages
  • Other construction systems like “Metal Strips” and “Plastic Blocks”
Ambitious, to be sure! We wish them well, and hope they succeed.

Via MakerBeam and KickStarter (Hat tip to Sam)

By Kerry Stevenson

Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has written over 8,000 stories on 3D printing at Fabbaloo since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!

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