3D Printed Claw Machine
This is an affordable, fully functional 3D printed Claw Machine that utilizes the Arduino Uno control board. I was inspired to build this machine as a Christmas gift for my younger sister. Everything works amazingly and I have learned a lot through this project. I used Autodesk Fusion 360 for all of the digital designs.
My criteria were that it had to be mostly 3D printed, it had to be cheap, and it had to be easy to print and assemble. After working it out, I was able to build this claw machine for just about $20 US.
I hope you will be able to follow along and understand everything about this build. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions on how I could improve this machine, please feel free to let me know. I am always willing to challenge myself to improve everywhere possible.
Supplies
For this machine, you will need the following materials: ** The links are not where I bought the items, they are just to show you what specific parts you need **
1x Arduino Uno board. I used a nock off. It was cheaper, and it still works great. Amazon.com: Gomass UNO R3 Board (Arduino-Compatible) for Arduino with USB Cable : Electronics
1x Arduino Joystick. Amazon.com: 6PCS Game Joystick Control Stick Sensor KY-023 Dual-Axis Button Joystick for PS2 Arduino : Electronics
1x 4A Fuse 5x20mm. BOJACK 5x20mm 4A 4amp 250V 0.2x0.78 Inch F4AL250V Fast-Blow Glass Fuses (Pack of 20): Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement
1x 9g Servo Motor 180 degrees. Amazon.com: 2Pcs SG90 Micro Servo Motor 180 Degree SG90 9G Gear Motor Control for Arduino Raspberry Pi RC Car Toy Robot Helicopter Airplane Controls Car Boat DIY : Toys & Games
4x 28BYJ-48 Stepper motor and ULN2003 Driver Board. Amazon.com : CenryKay 5 Sets 28BYJ-48 ULN2003 5V Small Stepper Motor，ULN2003 Driver Board 28BYJ-48 Stepper Motor Compatible with Arduino : Electronics
1x Slide Switch
1x USB-C Pinout Board. Amazon.com: Cermant 10pcs Type C Breakout Board Serial Basic Breakout Female Connector Type 16P PCB Converter Board : Electronics
1x Arcade button, or other button of your choice. Amazon.com: Arcity 8 Pcs Arcade LED Push Buttons Illuminated Light 6 × 30mm Buttons + 2 × 24mm Buttons with Built-in Microswtich for Arcade Machine Video Game Console DIY Jamma MAME Raspberry Blue New : Video Games
1x Optocoupler slotted sensor. I used a photo resistor and a laser to build a diy version, but ultimately settled on this because it was much easier to build. EC Buying 10PCS IR Infrared Sensor Module Slotted Optical Optocoupler Speed Measuring Sensor Module Photo Interrupter Sensor Motor Speed Detection Robot for Arduino: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
4x 11" x 14" Plexiglass sheets (1-2mm thick). You can use 2 of them as they are. However, the other two you will have to cut with scissors to the dimensions of (280mmx256mm). Amazon.com: Wtrgas 4 Pack 11x14 inch Plexiglass Sheets, 0.04 inch (1mm) Thick Clear Acrylic Sheets, Transparent Plastic Sheets for Picture Frame Replacement, Project, DIY Display, Painting : Industrial & Scientific
1x 3/4" Plywood Board (400mmx300mm). I got mine from Menards, but you can use whatever type or style of wood you want.
1x 1/4" Chrome Utility Lock. Warwick Cabinet & Drawer Lock, Max Thickness: 1/4", Chrome SH1045CH - Amazon.com
4x Ball Bearings or brushings. Anycubic Motion Kit for Sale:Bring the Idea to Life!
Tools:
Soldering Iron
Solder
Hot Glue Gun *and hot glue sticks*
Wire cutters
Scissors
Electrical Tape
Fishing line (for the axes belts)
Zip ties (to tension fishing line)
All of the 3D printed parts you can download from this link:
https://www.makeronline.com/en/model/3D%20Printed%20Claw%20Machine/253397.html?trackModuleType=10
Code for Arduino Uno:
Downloads
To begin, download the code from above and upload it to the Arduino. If you cannot figure out how to do this, YouTube has several videos on how to upload code. After this, go ahead and make all of the electrical connections and test everything out. This can be daunting at first, but I have attached a diagram to help you out. For this game, I have set a time limit of 1minute and 15 seconds. You can change this in the program.
Base
After testing out all of the electronics, you can go ahead and begin assembly. Because I am bad at explaining, I will show you how to assemble everything with pictures. I have broken the assembly out into five main parts: The base, the legs, the top, the claw, and full assembly. To begin with, assemble the base where all of the electronics will be stored. Everything is held together with hot glue. There are holes for optional screws to secure the board to the base, but these are not really needed as the hot glue holds it firmly.
Legs
What more can I say, all you have to do is glue the two legs parts together and then glue the pin in place.
Top
For this step, you will assemble the top of the Claw Machine and insert all of the stepper motors and pulleys.
The Claw
Assemble the claw using the pins to connect the arms braces with the arms. I then used my soldering iron to melt either side of the pins to hold the arms in place while allowing the parts to still freely move. After assembling the parts, insert the 9g servo motor into the back of the frame. Do note that the servo motor should be inserted while the claw is in the open position. To do this, rotate the wheel so that the pin is at the bottom and the plunger is lowered.
Full Assembly
Now it's time to connect all the parts. First attach the legs to the base, then insert the windows. Now connect the top. After finishing this, all you have to do is connect some fishing line around the pulleys and tighten them with zip ties. If all goes well, you will have a 3D Printed Claw Machine!
Thoughts
I hope everything works for you! The only downside to this build is that it is a little slow. Therefore, I lovingly named it Rusty. Let me know what you think of this project in the comments below.