Load Testing Machine for 3d Printed Prototypes

The goal of this machine is to apply load onto big 3d printed pieces in order to understand and test their structural capacity.

The machine was part of IAAC's research program, Open Thesis Fabrication 2016-17, TerraPerforma, which focused on large scale additive manufacturing with uncooked clay.

Step 1: Base Assembly

The machine, is comprised by plannar pieces milled out of 15mm wood.

The base is comprised out of two pieces, nailed together so they form a rigit stucture, with added interior frame, to be able to support the loads

Step 2: Load Box Assembly

The load box, is comprised out of 15mm milled wood pieces, with interior square 40mm x40mm reinforcements in order to be rigid, as it needs to be able to slide up and down with ease.

standard M6 nuts, bolts and washers were used

Step 3: Frame Assembly

Each of the two support frames are comprised out of a 15mm milled wood pieces with interior support in order to be rigid and be able to support the loads.

Standard M6 nuts bolts and washers were used to tighten the frames together into a rigid body.

The two frames are held together by M8 lead screws.

The frames are inserted into the milled pockets in the base after the load box is placed.