Elastic Buttonhole Laser Rig

I’ve been working with my local makerspace to build/print Personal Protection Equipment for healthcare workers in our area. One of the items that has become scarce is the buttonhole elastic used with the Prusa Face Shield. As such, I quickly pulled together this rig to feed and laser cut buttonholes in regular elastic banding.

I pulled this design and build together in less than 24 hours, so it’s not pretty, but it is functional…

This design requires standard 3D printer/CNC hardware, 5 – 15 watt laser, CNC shield and an UNO.

Specifically, you’ll need;
- 132mm 8mm Smooth Rod
- Xmm 8mm Smooth Rod
- 8mm Linear Bearing
- Minimum 140mm T8 lead screw and corresponding nut (can be longer, it'll just stick out the end).
- 8mm pillow block
- 2 Nema 17s
- 5mm to 8mm Coupler
- Some elastic bands to fit the 20mm radius drive drum. I used elastics from broccoli bunches, they are nice and wide. Hoarders unite!
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