Open Actuator System: Maker Muscle

Yay! I got my samples of the Maker Muscle Core and here's a video on what it looks like and how to put one together.

The core and most important part of the Maker Muscle actuator is the aluminum extrusion body. I had this ordered at an extrusion factory about a month ago. I've been anxiously waiting for this major part to get made so I can do all the major testing on the design and features and prove it really all works. I just got word yesterday that the custom die to start this process arrived at the factory. This means they are going to do a small test run of about 50 feet for me to approve and make sure all is good on the tolerances and shape. Hopefully by the end of the week I'll have some real aluminum samples in my hand to show. Super exciting.

So far things are turning out awesome for this project. Everything is working and I keep getting new ideas on accessories and attachments. Making some example uses and they are all working nice so far. I'll post them a bit later, but hammering away to get ready for the San Mateo Maker Faire in May. All my prototypes cores are 3D printed in PETG to test them for real. I have ordered my custom profile made from real aluminum extrusion that hopefully will be read next week to try out the real thing.