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Cardboard prototype

A project log for M808B - Coilgun Tank

A tank controlled by bluetooth capable of shooting ferromagnetic projectiles

ramn-calvoRamón Calvo 03/12/2017 at 13:270 Comments

Before building the wooden structure, I decided to build a carboard prototype first. This way we ensure the design has the dimensions that we want and the inner space required for the circuit.

Thanks to this I realised it was a good idea to make the basis a few milimeters wider. Everything else fits perfect.

The software used to make the 3D model is Fusion 360 (student version). It is the first time I've touched a parametric modeling tool and it os fantastic. At first, I considered learning FreeCAD instead, but after reading some forums, I found out that FreeCAD is not as competent as its paid counterparts, has some bugs and it's not easy to use. I had previous experience with Blender (great software) but it's not a great idea to use it for design (or so I've read).

This is also the first prototype I've made with cardboard and I have to say it is a great material for quick testing. It is virtually free, has a decent strength and it is easy to cut with a cutter, which makes it perfect to work with.

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