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Unread 17-01-2017, 11:26
paul.dornfeld paul.dornfeld is offline
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Re: Robust way to rotate an 18 inch square plate 90 degrees.

Quote:
Originally Posted by MrForbes View Post
I would definitely use pneumatics for something like this. It's mysterious, but once you make a little effort to understand it, it's simple, and makes moving hinged things really simple. Best part...no machining required! you can make hinges with a drill and a bolt.

But you do need to be aware of the limitations of pneumatics. They mostly only work for things that need to be in either of two positions, not stopping in the middle. And the motor that powers the compressor is not very large, which means that you cannot get a lot of work out of the system...so use it for relatively small low force things. Don't try to lift a robot with pneumatics! instead, use it to actuate things.
Yes, I am seeing the great advantage for learning pneumatics!
Thank you so much for the extra tips and considerations.
I have put this in my off-season planner for learning and experimenting with. Right now, time is not available, though, so I am seeking an end-run through some combination of cams, linkages and levers that I can make out of plywood or the aluminum tubing on hand.
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