APPENDIX B ■ APPENDIX B
Custom-designed robot bodies can be smaller and lighter. Rather than using screws to fasten together
multiple brackets inside a fixed-size project box, you can create a single body of the optimal size that
incorporates all of the attachment locations. For example, the separate battery holder and the circuit board
standoff hardware are no longer needed in the 3D printed Sandwich robot (see Figure B-2).
Robot builders sometimes drill holes in the wrong locations or don’t leave enough room for connectors
and wires. Occasionally, a robot body needs to be discarded entirely because the motor location is poor or
a critical part doesn’t fit. With 3D printing, the design can be tweaked on the computer and reprinted. For
example, I needed to flip the offset-shaft motor hole upside down so short wheels would reach the ground
(see Figure B-3). An added advantage of this change was that the top curved portion was no longer needed,
and was removed to reduce weight.
Leaping Not Very Far
At first, 3D technology may seem intimidating, but it has become so simple that even a beginner can pick up
enough knowledge in a weekend to produce competent prints.
Figure B-2. All of these screws, nuts, washers, and standoffs are eliminated by incorporating those elements in
the printed robot platform
Figure B-3. A large motor hole is easily repositioned with 3D design and printing