Pasta Sampling Propeller Tests
The function of the Pasta Sampling system in Cala’s robot is to dispense one portion of pasta at a time from the pasta storage.
In this project, I tested different propeller shapes and their output consistency. I wrote a small program to control a stepper motor with an Arduino which outputs ten samples of pasta. I then weighed the pasta to see how close to the target weight each propeller produced.
Different pasta shapes were also tested; however, it was decided to stick with penne for simplicity.
Air Compressor Silencing Box
Cala’s robot requires an air compressor to function. As compressor motors are too loud to store in a restaurant, I made a box to contain and reduce the noise of the compressor.
A combination of MDF wood, sound-dampening foam, and silicone sealant was used to construct the box, ensuring effective noise reduction.
The compressor’s motors get hot when working, so the box needs to have good airflow. I used staggered boards and small computer fans to allow airflow while still muffling the noise. I wired the fans to turn on when the motors were running.
CNC Training
To become more familiar with the CNC milling machine in the workshop I was tasked to make a small practice part. The part was very simple with features which allowed me to practice pocketing, hole-drilling, tapping, facing, engraving, and chamfering.
Assembly of the Robot
