Arduino Automatic Copper Tape Cutter
Description
###Updates 4/20/2019 - Added a wiring diagram. Black is ground, green is 12v, yellow is 5v, and red is 3.3v. ###Background Every year I teach my students how to build paper circuits using templates from [Chibitronics](https://chibitronics.com/). For the first few projects they follow a template I give them so I know exactly how much copper tape each student needs. I made this machine to measure and cut the tape for me. ###Sources I looked for something that already does this and came across several Arduino wire cutters that I took inspiration from. The one that I most closely followed was from [Mr Innovative](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7VzVV2itAo) and his design was inspired by [Must Love Science](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zejn2yLxjUs). Another great one is by [30percent](https://create.arduino.cc/projecthub/30percent/simple-wire-length-cutting-tool-4cea53?utm_campaign=new_projects&utm_content=2&utm_medium=email&utm_source=hackster&utm_term=project_name). And [Edward Carlson's](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztCUyUYWrBc) build. ###Design I used an ESP32 to power everything because I already had some of them along with the 1.77" TFT screen and rotary encoder. I realize that I'm not using Wifi, Bluetooth, or capacitive touch sensors, but it works well and is still pretty cheap. Since I just finished another project using these components with the ArduinoMenu library, I used them together again to handle most of the program's functions. You could certainly do the electronics more cleanly but I like having it all mounted to a wood board so it is less likely to get knocked around in the future and it gives the students a chance to see all of the parts and it is less of a "black box". The only soldering was for the power connector, the voltage regulator, and the header pins on the perfboard the ESP32 sits on. The voltage regulator outputs 5v and that powers the ESP32 through the VIN pin along with the MG995 servo. The rest of the parts are powered by the 3v coming from the ESP32. ###Code All the source code is on Github: https://github.com/nathandarnell/ESP32-Copper-Tape-Cutter This program uses these libraries: * [ArduinoMenu](https://github.com/neu-rah/ArduinoMenu) * [streamFlow](https://github.com/neu-rah/streamFlow) * [TFT_eSPI](https://github.com/Bodmer/TFT_eSPI) - You will have to setup your TFT settings in the User_Setup.h file and I included my working setup for you * [ClickEncoder](https://github.com/soligen2010/encoder) - This is a fork of the library ArduinoMenu uses by default and both need the "#include <avr/..." lines commented out in ClickEncoder.h if you are using an ESP32 * [AccelStepper](http://www.airspayce.com/mikem/arduino/AccelStepper/) * [ESP32Servo](https://github.com/jkb-git/ESP32Servo) * [EEPROM32 Rotate](https://github.com/xoseperez/eeprom32_rotate) ###Parts Parts that I used are [NEMA 17 stepper and bracket](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FKH52S5/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) [OLFA 9765 SCS-1 Stainless Steel Serrated Edge 5-Inch Scissors](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000X1H90/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) [MG995 servo](https://www.ebay.com/itm/MG995-metal-gear-servo-high-speed-torque-for-RC-helicopter-car-airplane-etc/391957147481?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649) [ESP32](https://www.ebay.com/itm/ESP32-ESP32S-CP2102-Development-Board-2-4GHz-Dual-Mode-WiFi-Bluetooth-Antenna/201853283621?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649) [1.77" TFT screen](https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-77-inch-1-8-TFT-Color-Display-Module-Breakout-SPI-ST7735S-for-Arduino-UNO-LCD/222565215470?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649) [KY-040 rotary encoder](https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rotary-Encoder-Digital-Potentiometer-20mm-Knurled-Shaft-with-Switch-USA/382606587878?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649) [Stepper Motor Driver Expansion Board](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KQ5ZHXX/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) [LV8729 stepper driver](https://www.ebay.com/itm/LV8729-Stepper-Motor-StepStick-Mute-Driver-Ultra-Quiet-Driver-3D-printer-parts-N/163473807807?hash=item260fcc59bf:g:DioAAOSweI1cMz0r) [LM2596 DC-DC Adjustable Buck Converter](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L5J4QTD/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) [12v Barrel plug](https://www.ebay.com/itm/10Pcs-DC-Power-Female-Jack-Barrel-Plug-Connector-2-1-x-5-5-mm-Terminal-US-Stock/172813450145?hash=item283c7bfba1:g:m1MAAOSwtGNZisE7) if you don't want it mounted on the board OR [5.5mm x 2.1mm Power Supply Jack Socket Female Panel Mount](https://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-5-5mm-x-2-1mm-Power-Supply-Jack-Socket-Female-Panel-Mount-Plug-3A-12V-DC/182749631409?epid=2225270529&hash=item2a8cba13b1:g:LTkAAOSwAINa279U) to mount it on the board [12v 8a power supply](https://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-Supply-Adapter-AC-To-DC-12V-2-3A-4A-5A-6A-8A-10A-3528-5050-LED-Strip-Light/123495696086?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649) 1x 624zz Bearing 1x M4x10 1x M4 nut with the top half filed down 1x M4 washer 4x M3x22 2x M3x16 4x M3x8 7x M3 nuts 4x M2.5 screws and nuts Paperclip Small wood screws to mount to the board Various jumper wires Rubberband ###Building Print all of the STL files once except for the servo bracket since you will need two. I printed all the parts out of PLA and PETG and it shouldn't matter what you choose. I also printed the drive roller with TPU so it can be a press fit on the stepper and grip the copper tape better but you might be able to use a harder material. YMMV. Screw the stepper motor bracket to your board. Push on the drive roller. Install the M4 screw and washer into the 624zz bearing and screw them into the bottom stepper arm with the M4 nut securing. Grind down the top of the nut so it doesn't interfere with the stepper motor (see the photo above). Install the bottom arm with the M3x16 screw onto the stepper. It should move a little but not be loose. Install the top and cover with the two M3x22 screws and wrap a rubberband over the arms to tension the drive roller. Screw in the copper tape spool holder so the tape feeds in straight. Install the OLFA scissors with the printed parts so the scissors are close to the copper tape exit. Install the servo next to the scissors and use a paperclip to connect the servo horn to the top scissor arm. Connect the wires and install the 12v barrel plug connector and the screen and rotary encoder holder. Flash the arduino sketch and test it out!
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