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Makers and Making: Building or finding an actuator controlled air pump
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Oct 25th 2009
Hey everyone! first time poster here.
So I am trying to change the pressure in a container in a controlled way, and since using an air pump and a pressure reader seemed overly complicated. I was trying to figure out if i could find, or if i could build some sort of air piston.
basically what i want is a digitally controllable, cylinder open at one end, so it can be connected to the container, so that if i connect it to the container i can change the pressure in the container simply by moving this piston? actuator? a certain amount and be able to control it the whole way through. meaning if it was to inflate a balloon i would want to be able to deflate or inflate it any amount simply by using the distance i have moved the piston/actuator.
anyone know a simple way to build this? or an already built version of this that I can find? Forgive me for my terminology, I'm no engineer :P so if I make some mistakes feel free to correct me.
the other part is I am looking into 3D metal printing to build the container, since although i have access to a 3D plastic printer, as far as i know you can't print holes or threads for screwing pieces together.
anyone know price estimates for 3D metal printing? or if I am overcomplicating it and there is a simpler way, I would like to know.
Thank you all for taking the time to read this. and I look forward to your replies.
So I am trying to change the pressure in a container in a controlled way, and since using an air pump and a pressure reader seemed overly complicated. I was trying to figure out if i could find, or if i could build some sort of air piston.
basically what i want is a digitally controllable, cylinder open at one end, so it can be connected to the container, so that if i connect it to the container i can change the pressure in the container simply by moving this piston? actuator? a certain amount and be able to control it the whole way through. meaning if it was to inflate a balloon i would want to be able to deflate or inflate it any amount simply by using the distance i have moved the piston/actuator.
anyone know a simple way to build this? or an already built version of this that I can find? Forgive me for my terminology, I'm no engineer :P so if I make some mistakes feel free to correct me.
the other part is I am looking into 3D metal printing to build the container, since although i have access to a 3D plastic printer, as far as i know you can't print holes or threads for screwing pieces together.
anyone know price estimates for 3D metal printing? or if I am overcomplicating it and there is a simpler way, I would like to know.
Thank you all for taking the time to read this. and I look forward to your replies.
Oct 25th 2009
If you need threads for assembly purposes, you could get a tap and die set. I bought a cheap one for less than $20 a while back. Taps cut threads into holes; dies cut threads into rods.
What sort of volume do you need to move? You can get moderately large syringes from scientific/medical supply companies. Rig that to some sort of linear actuator and you've got most of what you want.
A system using only the plunger distance traveled to measure air pressure won't be especially accurate, however; it will vary depending on atmospheric pressure outside the container, temperature, et cetera.
What sort of volume do you need to move? You can get moderately large syringes from scientific/medical supply companies. Rig that to some sort of linear actuator and you've got most of what you want.
A system using only the plunger distance traveled to measure air pressure won't be especially accurate, however; it will vary depending on atmospheric pressure outside the container, temperature, et cetera.
Oct 28th 2009
hmm ya unfortunatly I am looking for the canister to be threaded and unfortunatly it is most likely going to be at least a foot in diameter, don't think i can find a cheap tap and tie for that.
me and my friend were talking and we decided against the plunger idea, and are movign back to the airpump with 5 port solenoid and pressure sensor. the problem would be the tubing i think.
me and my friend were talking and we decided against the plunger idea, and are movign back to the airpump with 5 port solenoid and pressure sensor. the problem would be the tubing i think.
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