Servo actuated guillotine cutter. Cuts everything*

Updates

• 2021-03-07 tidy-up of the files section

Is this thing useful to you?

Don't hesitate to hit the ❤ and show some love. I'm always happy to hear from you in the 🗩 comment section. If you have problems printing my files: tell me in the comment section too!

What is this thing? Do I need it?

*Okay, it does not cut everything, but let's see: If you need to cut:

• cable
• pneumatic tubing
• shrink tubing
• filament
• cable ties

... with the the push of a button (or a foot pedal), then yes!

Is it easy to build/assemble?

Yes, all parts print without supports. You can use PLA, PETG, ABS or whatever you want, maybe not flex :) You need to cut M3 threads into a few parts for this version!

Assembly is straightforward. You will need a few additional items:

• M3/M4 screws or the imperial counterpert to that
• a few M3 washers/nuts/square nuts
• one 608 ball bearing
• one 623 ball bearing
• a standard 40mm hobby servo. For best cutting power use a 25Kgcm or 35Kgcm 180° style servo (around 10-20€/$ at the usual places...) Optional items are:
• 40x20mm aluminium extrusion (aluminum should work, too ;) )
• standard 3mm thick self healing cutting mat, cut to strips for the blade to dive into All parts can be modified to accept other bearings and screws. For that I'll provide not only .stl but also .stp files!

Is this thing dangerous?

Absolutely, YES IT IS. With a standard breakaway blade it easily cuts off your fingertip in a few milliseconds. I have no doubt that it can cut through the bone of your pinkie, too.

USE AT YOUR OWN RISK and NEVER PUT YOUR FINGERS where the blade is.

How to control the servo?

1. I use an arduino and a "special" program with an A->B control mode for the servo.
   You set the upper and lower position with a potentiometer and save them with a button. With another button you can repeatedly drive the servo from the upper (A) to the lower (B) position. I can provide the code, if needed.
    
2. Use a "servo tester". Those are powerful enough for most cuts. You have to do the cuts by turning the knob yourself, though. Plenty fine for first tests!

Is this thing finished?

Not yet, there are smaller/newer versions in the works. If you are interested in this thing, just leave a comment!

Print Settings

Rafts: No

Supports: No

Resolution: 0.2

Infill: 25%-100%

Filament: PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, …

Notes:

When PLA is used, the area around the screw holes should be printed solid (100% infill, with modifiers in your slicer software), because not-solid PLA will soon start to give under the screws compression force. It's not that bad with PETG.

Post-Printing

See https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4645889 for post-print-assembly-details.