POLYRO (oPen sOurce friendLY RObot)

Step 4 Fabricating the Eyelids

The eyelids were made using Shapelock, a tough, machinable, paintable plastic, which becomes pliable at 150F. It is suggested not to overheat Shapelock. Just boil water and pour it into a bowl that you do not intend to use again (for eating from). Next, place the Shapelock material into the water until it becomes transparent. After that, remove the Shapelock using tongs and squeeze the excess water. Before it cools off, mold the Shapelock to the shape of the eyelids. This can be done with a plastic ball (slightly larger than the webcam). I drew the shape of the eyelids on the plastic ball with permanent maker as a guide. Once you have two eyelids which you are comfortable with, sand them with the dremel.

You will also need an additional T-shaped part to connect and move the eyelids. This too can be fabricated using Shapelock. Please refer to the pictures below for dimensions. Sand the part down using the Dremel and make sure that it can rotate freely through the holes in the bridge of the nose.