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Build studies of small machines, boards and parts

SetStudies 2026
RevC

Small machines, closely observed.

Photographs, callouts and working notes on the parts that make things move.

Sheets
01–03 on this page
Subjects
Mechanisms, boards, parts
Scale
Not to scale
Method
Observed from photographs

MEC-01

Gripper below a camera

Mechanisms
A black mechanical gripper is mounted below a small camera on a blue frame.
Fig. 1 — Two-finger gripper and camera module, seen from above.

Callouts

  1. Two toothed gears mesh at the top, so both jaws appear to move together.
  2. Linkage arms carry each finger; a screw marks every pivot.
  3. Soft black caps cover both fingertips.
  4. A small camera sits on the blue frame, looking down past the jaws.

Facts

SubjectTwo-finger gripper
Seen fromAbove, over marker cubes

Open sheet MEC-01

PCB-01

Corner of a green board

Circuit boards
A close view of a green circuit board shows capacitors, connectors and other components.
Fig. 2 — Board corner with connectors and capacitors.

Callouts

  1. A blue multi-pin connector runs along the left edge.
  2. Cylindrical capacitors stand in a loose cluster; their printed values are not relied on here.
  3. A small red switch sits beside a black socket at the corner.
  4. Brown residue surrounds the corner mounting hole.

Facts

SubjectCircuit board corner
Seen fromClose, at an angle

Open sheet PCB-01

CMP-01

Five memory modules in a row

Components
Five green laptop memory modules are arranged in a row on a pale surface.
Fig. 3 — Five modules laid parallel, nearest two in focus.

Callouts

  1. Five laptop-size modules lie parallel on a pale surface.
  2. Each shows four black chips on its visible side.
  3. Gold edge contacts carry a notch set off-centre.
  4. Only the nearest two are in sharp focus.

Facts

SubjectLaptop memory modules
CountFive

Open sheet CMP-01

  1. MEC-01

    Gripper below a camera

    Mechanisms
  2. PCB-01

    Corner of a green board

    Circuit boards
  3. CMP-01

    Five memory modules in a row

    Components
  4. MCH-01

    Print head over an empty plate

    Machines
  5. FLT-01

    Fault study: a cracked disc component

    Fault studies