This week’s selection is the The Flapulator by MakerWorld contributor Dr. Chris Haynes (a.k.a. Applepie).
This has to be one of the most complex 3D printed projects we’ve ever featured. The Flapulator is actually a fully functioning, 3D printed calculator. The main feature, aside from computation, is that the digits are analog: they “flap” over to change, much like an ancient digital clock.
As you might expect, operating the Flapulator is a rather noisy affair, but that’s really the goal. Haynes explains:
“The concept was to create the most over-engineered calculator which had an analogue feel, but still with a digital brain. After exploring some ideas with flip dots, I eventually settled on split flaps as my display choice. The clack of big wheels of characters turning in airports has always been a sensory pleasure of mine, so I wondered how tough it would be to build a vastly smaller, but fully functional 3D printed version from scratch. Turns out it was fun and also quite a challenge!”
The logic is not performed using analog gears or mechanisms inside the Flapulator. Instead there is a hidden Raspberry Pi Pico 2 that controls the system. However, the inputs and outputs — buttons and digits — are entirely mechanical. And clacky.
There are quite a few parts involved in constructing this project, including a fair bit of wiring. However, it is all fully explained in a 15 page PDF instruction booklet that you should read before starting.
The Flapulator won’t replace your current calculator, but it will definitely attract attention when you bring it out.
Via MakerWorld
