[3D all Workshop] designed a model made entirely from FDM 3D printing, driven by its interest in mechanical calculators despite the widespread use of digital calculators. The design took two months, and approximately one hundred design iterations were carried out to address issues such as carrying in the mechanism that performs addition and multiplication. Precision issues in the gears were resolved through redesign and lubrication.
Why it matters
This work shows that, in an environment dominated by digital calculators, the function of calculation can be reconsidered based on physical movement and the fit of components. Approximately one hundred iterations demonstrate that building a mechanism that works with FDM printing requires not only modeling but also continuous testing and correction. In this respect, the project offers a concrete example of how mechanical systems can be developed using low-cost and accessible manufacturing tools. However, the need for redesign and lubrication to ensure gear precision leaves open the question of whether the mechanisms can maintain their accuracy and durability over long-term use.