Materials and Tools

materials_silicone.jpg

Materials for the actuators include:

  • Weight scale
  • Measuring cups/beakers
  • Spoons and stir sticks
  • Brushes
  • toothpicks
  • Syringes
  • X-Acto knife or blade
  • Thermochromic Pigment- TurnThermo brand 
  • Phosphorescent pigment- we used a D-Tek liquid brand (http://www.dtekcustoms.com/index.aspx#.VYH9uPlViko)
  • Rubber Silicone – EcoFlex- 50
  • Rubber Silicone – DragonSkin-30
  • Acrylic sheets that can be laser cut. (1/16" and 1/8" think)
  • Superglue- We used Zap-a-Gap (http://www.supergluecorp.com/zap/zap-glues/zap-gap)
  • Vaseline
  • Fish tank tubing
  • A Parker brand micro diaphragm air pump. - We used a 12v dc pump.
  • Spray release - Smooth-On brand
  • Foam core - used for mold bases

Note: Initial prototype fabrications were unsuccessful due to the use of latex gloves that caused a material reaction that prevented the silicone from curing. When using the acrylic sheets the spray release (Smooth-On) is not necessary due to the smoothness of the mold material.

testing_environment.jpg

Materials for the Test Chamber include:

  • Plywood
  • Table saw
  • Insulation: 2-3 sheets of ¾ inch thick insulation
  • 2 heat lamps ( one for each test chamber)
  • 2 temperature data loggers
  • Thermometer
  • Screws and Nuts
  • Screwdriver
  • Acrylic frame – used for stability of the actuator
  • Fish tank tubing
  • Clamps- used to clamp tubing  

computer_component.jpg

Materials for the microcontroller setup include:

  • Microcontroller – we used an Arduino Mega board
  • Micro air pumps
  • Temperature, light and pressure sensors
  • Transistors
  • Jumper wires
  • Resistors
  • A battery pack or power source
  • A computer or laptop