Team SPAM have been preparing little SAM for the World Cup final, in wait that is until they receive other bodily parts. Crickey, sounds horrific and terrific all in one bag of sweets. Indeed it is. After a long session of test and enquiry into the intricacies of linear motion, Team SPAM came to the conclusion that a modular construction system would probably be the best solution to alleviate the building headaches.

During our research for SAM's muscle, ligament and bone anatomy, there were quite a number of designs sporting similar specs. One of the first we came across was the ubiquitous OpenBeam. No, OpenBeam is not some kind of free smilies service, although, it did make us smile. Rather, OpenBeam is a pack of 'beams' or rails that come with various fixtures that enable one to construct a variety of small machines: cnc milling, 3d printers, plotters, robots.

What is particularly interesting with OpenBeam and indeed all other systems described below, is that they allow for a large variety of constructions with varying length and size. No need to drill holes, nor worry about getting your measurements millimeter perfect. Further more, they all allow for linear motion carriage systems to be easily added. A winning solution for SAM! At time of writing, OpenBeam offers a standard kit and there is also the more basic MakerBeam kit, both of which can be ordered from a number of suppliers in Europe. We were however intrigued by this strange looking beam and decided to delve a little further into its construction.

OpenBeam proudly presents itself as part of the open source hardware initiative. Which means, all schematics and mechanical design are accessible to anyone who wishes to use them. Open hardware follows a similar philosophy to open source software and free software initiatives. How can you open source hardware and make a business out of that you may ask? Understandably, such open systems are in their infancy and probably need some time to mature as there remains questionable details on how business is conducted.

For example, some companies have developed 'open hardware' projects with a trademarked seal usually in the form of their company name. Which basically means, other people have access to the design blueprints and can eventually sell products of their own making but can not sell them with the same name. It's a bit like the Champagne debate to me. If it ain't made in the French region of Champagne, then it ain't worthy of the appellation. Fair enough, but don't be duped by such nonsense when it comes to making a choice. A name is but a name, often associated with a certain quality agreed, yet alternatives of equal and indeed better quality can be found.

Tslot Aluminum Profile Extrusions

Funnily enough, taking a closer look at the industry of beams, we found a whole market out there selling similar products. Some were open, some not, indeed these modular systems have been around well before open hardware stormed the market. We later found out that in the industry these 'beams' as we've fondly been refering to them, are actually known more correctly as aluminum t-slot extrusion profiles. Quite a mouthful I know. In our search, two other systems came to our attention and are worthy of note: MakerSlide and V-Slot.

V-Slot, an OpenBuild initiative with a supply outlet in France seemed an appropriate choice for our needs. We called the V-Slot gang earlier this week. Greeted by a friendly voice and replying with calm to our intrusive interrogation methods, Team SPAM decided to make an order with their local supplier. It should be noted however that V-Slot is not home grown material, they are made in the US of blinking' A, where it seems most are. And no, China have yet to join the beam clubbers. When, and if that happens, it will be a sign that nutters like us are no longer a marginal social case.

V-Slot Spec Sheets - V-Slot

So, whilst we wait for our little package to arrive, no better time than to take SAM to the football. Poor thing has been cooped up with the dirty laundry for the past two weeks. As you can see from the short video doc below, SAM wasn't content with just sitting in on a match or two. Like all youths of today, there was incentive and energy to get out and test some ball skills with some friends. Aw, so cute to see the little fella growing up in good tradition.

Sam's Video Log 02

SAM's Footy Painting - Team SPAM - 2014

What have we learned ?

T-slot aluminum extrusion profiles are like lego for makers. They are strong, lightweight and completely modular systems that do not need any welding or drilling. Some of these systems are part of the open hardware initiative, which we particularly adhere to. SAM is just as good at football as the English team.

Table Footy Preparation - Team SPAM - 2014