Summer 2021, SOFWERX
Reel-to Reel Film Rewinder
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Film Rewinder
I was tasked with designing and constructing the functional module of a film rewinder for 8mm film. The device needed to be capable of winding film from one reel to another reel in such that the film could be cleaned and rewound back onto its original reel.
I was given the metal box and I made the two, 3D-printed posts and all of the electronics. On the right post, the reel is attached to a motor that could spin in either direction depending on the orientation of the film.
Motorized Mount
Hubs to hold the reels were 3D printed. This hub was mounted onto a DC motor and also acted as a coupler for a threaded rod. Threads were added to the knob which was then screwed onto the rod to secure the reel.
Free-Spinning Mount
For the other post, ball bearings were press fit into the post to reduce friction and a screw was placed inside. Another 3D printed reel hub was mounted on the screw and a threaded knob was attached.
Electrical
To allow the motor to change speeds, the system was powered with a variable power supply so a dial on the AC adaptor controlled the speed. At the bottom of the post, there was an On/Off switch and another switch to control the rotation direction.
The whole system was able to come apart and fit inside the box for easy storage.