Chalk it Up!

Status: Prototype

Teammates: Galilea von Ruden

Skills: CAD, soldering, drilling and mounting brackets, wiring, programming a 2d motion system

Summary

Every year, MIT runs a hardware hackathon. I participated in 2018, and in 2020 a friend and I decided to apply for their virtual competition. In 24 hours, we made a concept pitch and presentation for our project, a chalk CNC. We won $500 to develop our prototype in two weeks.

This project was inspired by seeing chalk drawings around LA used to build a sense of connection and togetherness during the isolation of the pandemic.

Our work is showcased in the video linked below:

The chalk switching mechanism consists of a force sensor with a resistor and an electromagnet.

Support structure and brackets for the chalk CNC, all were made of flat plates cut from aluminum, commercial 3d printer spare parts, and 3d printed designs

Chalk machine layout

In-progress pic, chalk machine drawing squares on the cement floor of the garage

Written on January 15, 2021