Magnetic Drawing Machine
Katrina Priya
Final demo video with scenes of past iterations.
Final Product Shots
Drawings
Process
I started off with playing around with magnets and iron filings on cardboard. I explored various shapes and movements that could be produced with these materials.
Then, I created a frame with laser cut wood, where the mechanical & electrical components could hide underneath a top piece. The top piece is a combination of thin cardboard and paper – I wanted it to be sturdy, while still being thin enough for the magnet to easily attract and move the filings.
Under the lid, I iterated through several ideas for motorization. First, I used a servo motor for a repetitive sweeping motion of the strong magnet underneath. I wanted something more interesting to look at, so I then added 2 motors and additional magnets. However, the movements were still too predictable, and I wanted the magnets to move around more, instead of rotating in an obvious circular shape.
I attached the flat side of wheels to the bottom of the motors to provide limited movement to the motors, in addition to the rotating movements of the motors’ arms. I also changed up the code, so that the motors would be moving in different directions and speeds over time.
My final product has four moving magnets underneath a thin layer topped with iron filings. I preferred using this machine for abstract drawings with less iron filings. With more time, I would definitely continue to improve the movements of the magnets, as well as explore other mediums to use with the iron filings.
Bill of Materials
Laser cut wood; 8 rectangle pieces
Strong magnet; 4 round magnets
Thin cardboard; 1 (same size as laser cut base)
Tape; 8 pieces
Iron filings; 2 tablespoons
Right angle motor; 2
Elmer’s glue
Romeo board; 1
Battery pack; 1 holder + 4 AA batteries
Thick white paper; 1 (same size as laser cut base)
Wheel; 2
