ME 360 Electromechanical Design

Linear Stage & CNC Drawing Exercise

We built a screw-driven linear stage, then assembled a CNC plotter that drew a box using G-code and Marlin firmware. The instructor provided starter motor-control code and an example assembly approach.

I shared fabrication and alignment work equally with two teammates. The other two teammates handled programming and testing.

2.5 DOF Fishing Game

Our game uses a joystick to position an electromagnet over fish on a rotating platform. X and Y provide planar movement; a preset down-and-up Z motion lowers and raises the magnet. The instructor provided the general approach for an individual linear stage.

My work covered the standard extrusion legs, contributions to game design and rules, electromagnet selection, and Onshape designs for the control-board enclosure and magnet attachment. I also printed the joystick housing from an online design.

Magnet Selection & Alignment

I selected a 12 V electromagnet to match our available output, with enough lifting force to pick up fish while keeping the game challenging. I replaced a wire wedged into the rear screw hole with a printed U-hook secured by a screw, with the suspension string wrapped around the hook. This helped center the magnet and keep it vertical.

Controls & Electronics

The team's Arduino program runs on an MKS Base board. The joystick moves X/Y; a single press triggers the Z dip, a double press toggles the magnet, and a long press starts or stops platform rotation. Three programmed rounds vary the platform's speed and direction.