how do make a shake table in tinkercad

2 min read 24-01-2025

This guide will walk you through creating a simple shake table model in Tinkercad, a free online 3D design tool. This project is perfect for beginners and demonstrates basic Tinkercad functionalities. While this won't be a fully functional earthquake simulator, it will visually represent the key components. We'll focus on creating a simplified model showcasing the essential parts of a shake table.

Understanding Shake Table Components

Before diving into Tinkercad, let's understand the basic components of a shake table. A shake table is typically used for testing the seismic response of structures. The simplified version we'll build here will include:

Base: The stable foundation upon which the entire system rests.
Platform: The moving part where you'd place the model you want to test (in our case, it will be a simplified representation).
Actuators (Simplified): We'll represent these using simple blocks that suggest movement. In a real shake table, these would be powerful motors.

Step-by-Step Tinkercad Tutorial

Let's begin constructing our shake table model in Tinkercad.

Step 1: Creating the Base

Open Tinkercad and create a new design.
Select the "Cube" shape from the toolbox.
Adjust the dimensions to create a sizable base. For example, you could use dimensions of 100 x 100 x 20 mm.
Position it centrally on your workspace. This will serve as the foundation of our shake table.

Step 2: Designing the Platform

Add another cube. This will be our platform. Make it slightly smaller than the base (e.g., 80 x 80 x 10 mm).
Position this cube on top of the base, leaving a small gap for simulated movement.

Step 3: Adding the Simplified Actuators

Create four smaller cubes (e.g., 20 x 20 x 10 mm) to represent the actuators.
Place these cubes at the corners of the platform, beneath it, and slightly smaller than the base. These will visually suggest the mechanism that causes the shake.

Step 4: Refining the Design (Optional)

You can improve the visual appeal by using the "Hole" tool to create holes in the base to represent mounting points for the actuators.
Experiment with different colors and shapes to personalize your shake table model. Consider using different materials (if your design is intended for 3D printing) for the base and platform.

Step 5: Grouping and Exporting (Optional)

To keep everything organized, select all the components and use the "Group" function in Tinkercad.
Once you're satisfied, you can download your design as an STL file for 3D printing (if you have a 3D printer), or view it as a 3D model.

Troubleshooting and Tips

Alignment: Ensure proper alignment of the platform and base for a realistic look. Tinkercad provides tools to help with precise positioning.
Simplicity: Remember, this is a simplified model. Don't overcomplicate the design in your first attempt.
Exploration: Experiment with different shapes and sizes to create your own unique shake table design.

Conclusion

Creating a shake table model in Tinkercad is a fun and educational project. This simplified model provides a visual representation of the core components, helping you understand the basic principles of a shake table. Remember, this is just a starting point. With more practice and exploration of Tinkercad's features, you can create far more complex and realistic models. This exercise is excellent for understanding the mechanical elements even before considering the complex electronics involved in a real shake table design.