Build EduColon

This page describes how to assemble “EduColon“, capsule machine that can make everything from the main body to the capsule toys inside.

The name “EduColon” is derived from “Edu (Education)” + “コロン (sound of capsule falling)”. I created this product in the hope that people will learn how machines work and become interested in engineering while assembling capsule machines (gacha-gacha or gashapon), which are a part of Japanese pop culture. I would be happy if you think it is even a little bit fun.

Table

1.Necessities

In addition to downloading the model of the main unit, you will also need to prepare the 3D printer-made parts, which are listed below.

1-1.EduColon Model

There are two types of EduColon: one is originally designed, and the other is a plain type that can be decorated with 3D puzzle pieces and other materials.

Choose the EduColon design you like!

*Attention:All parts of Edu-Colon are within 100mm*100mm in size and can be made with a 3D printer whose build plate is larger than 100mm*100mm. If you have not yet purchased a 3D printer and want to make Edu cologne, please be sure to check the build plate size.

1-2. 1.5L Plastic Bottle・Plastic Plate

Use plastic bottles or plastic sheets such as clear files for capsule holders. Plastic bottle corresponds to the shape of Mitsuya Cider, a popular drinking water in Japan, and the same shape is used for Calpis Soda and MATCH.

楽天で探す
楽天で探す
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*2023/6/23 A model of a capsule holder that can be 3D printed is now available.

If you do not have a compatible PET bottle, please use this model. Also, by using transparent filaments, the inside can be seen through, just like an actual capsule machine.

1-3.Capsule

Capsules are available in 27mm and 30mm sizes. Capsules made by Ah-Muse are especially recommended for children, as they can be opened and closed with light force. STAG.B also offers a model of a 30mm 3D printable capsule.

Use whichever you prefer.

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1-4.Capsule Toy

In addition to the capsule machine itself, capsule toy models are also distributed: “Job Egg” and “Cutea Cup,” which can fit into 27mm capsules, and “Mozi Daruma,” which can be used without a capsule and inserted directly into the machine.

Choose what you like and put it in your EduColon!

1-5.Rainbow Filament

Filaments cost more than $20 each, so if you want to use more than one color, you have to buy several. However, since rainbow filament originally comes in multiple colors, you can cut the filament into individual colors and use them to make different colors for different capsule toys.

It is not required, but it will add to your enjoyment.

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2.Preparation before assembly

2-1.Cut out capsule holder

Use the middle part of a plastic bottle for the EduColon. Make a cut with a cutter and then use scissors to cut out the top and bottom portions.Be careful not to injure yourself, as the cut-out part is sharp.

After cutting both ends of the plastic bottle, trim the cut with scissors and apply tape.

When the tape has been applied to both ends of the plastic bottle, the processing of the plastic bottle is finished.

If using a plastic board, cut out a piece 300 mm wide and as tall as you like, as shown in the drawing below. After cutting, make a 10mm slit in the center of both ends.

Insert the cutouts into each other and fix the edges of the plastic board with tape. The plastic-plate type tube is now complete.

2-2. 3D print your EduColon

Two types of packages are included in the downloaded file: one for each part and one that fits within 100mm*100mm. It is convenient to drag the packages to the slicer software to 3D print the parts in a batch.

EduColon has more parts than the 3D puzzles on this site and takes longer to 3D print.。

Example 3D printing schedule

Day 1: Unit 1 (front panel) is completed.

Package 1

Front panel

Package 2

Package 3

Day 2

Package 4

Package 5

Package 6

Day 3: Unit 2 (rotating mechanism) is completed.

Package 7

Package 8

Left side panel

Package 9

Right side panel

Day 4: The main body is completed.

Package 10

Back panel

Package 11

Package 12

Day 5: EduColon will be completed.

Package 13

Package 14

The finished exterior panels can be decorated with color using pens or other tools to make them look even better.

2-3.Use TinkerCad while 3D print

Since you will be bored while 3D printing parts, let’s use “TinkerCad”, which allows you to easily create 3D models. Since single parts are included in the model files on this site, you can create your original model by calling and combining them in TinkerCad.

EduColon and coins can be freely decorated by combining them with 3D puzzle parts, and “Job Egg” and “Cutea Cup” can be recombined to create original capsule toys.

The following page distributes tutorials on how to use TinkerCad and how to edit capsule toys and other items, so please give it a try while you wait!

TinkerCadの使い方

3.Assemble your EduColon

Once all the parts are completed, it is time to assemble the Edu-Colon. Each EduColon model comes with an assembly instruction manual, but on this page we have prepared one in video format. If you do not understand the instructions, check this video.

When merging unit 1 and unit 2, make sure that the gears are meshing and that unit 2 has a fixed part before fitting it in.

Once assembled, remove the fixing part.

Insert the plastic bottle into the groove between the lid and the body. Use glue at this point to prevent the plastic bottle from coming off.

EduColon is completed! What kind of EduColon did you make? Different colors and parts make a big difference, so try out different colors and parts!

4.Play with the EduColon you made

Place the capsule toys you have made into the completed EduColon. It is recommended that you put about 15~20 capsules or letter dummies in the EduColon to prevent clogging.

PDF file of the lineup paper is included with each capsule toy model. Attach the backing paper of your favorite assortment set to plastic bottle.

Insert the capsule toy and you are ready to go. Let’s play right away!

After placing the coin deep into the indentation on the top of the handle, make one clockwise turn of the handle. After one turn, a capsule toy will come out from the exit in the lower right corner. What will come out?

The back of the capsule toy has holes for joints so that it can be placed on the platform included with the models in the assort set.

Let’s collect capsule toys by putting them on freely!

This concludes the explanation of how to assemble an Edu colon. Thank you for your hard work!

You can make it with your friends and enjoy it even more by messing up each other’s EduColon. Please use it for your Independent research!