What (system) do you use for mechanical prototyping?

Projects General Guidance
1

Hi,

Is there a modular mechanical system that can be used to quickly build (the mechanical side of) the prototype?
As a kid I used fischertechnik and there are other systems out there, from meccano to technic lego (see Meccano - Wikipedia)
I’m looking for a ‘framework’ to quickly build/test a prototype, put the motors/servo’s, conveyors, sensors, etc, to prove the concept without going thoug the 3d cad process.
You would like something you can take apart, that is modular and doesn’t involve a lot of cutting & drilling etc. but is again solid enough for, let say, a desktop size proto.

So basically the arduino solution for the mechanical side :wink:
Looking forward to your input/how you fix this side of the project.
Links, sites, images all very welcome

2

Surely that depends entirely on what it's a prototype of i.e. what properties and behaviour you want it to provide.

3

I found a few links...
http://www.contraptor.org/
http://www.contraptor.org/kits

http://www.gridbeam.com/

http://www.openbeamusa.com/ (kickstarter)
http://www.makerbeam.eu

it seems i'm missing the connection to the electronics (in the way lego mindstorms has both the electronics & mechanics)
Let me know what you use...

4

I’m looking for a ‘framework’ to quickly build/test a prototype, put the motors/servo’s, conveyors, sensors, etc, to prove the concept without going thoug the 3d cad process.

Basics: hot glue and 5.2mm lauan plywood.

5

19mm PVC tubing and a collection of elbows and tees.
a bunch of 10mm extruded aluminium angle, box and U-channel stock
a box of m3 nuts and bolts