3D Printed Gashapon Machine

Inspired by our trip to Taiwan and Japan, we wanted to recreate their Gashapon Machines. Our design is affordable and fun and requires no money to play!

1. 2 bevel gears (from VEX robotics kit)
2. 2 long axles (from Vex robotics kit)
3. 8 rubber washers (from Vex robotics kit)
4. acrylic panels
5. acrylic cement
6. laser cutter
7. 3D printer
8. Autodesk Fusion 360

For Prizes:

1. 2 inch Gashapon capsules (50 pcs) - https://a.co/d/0273b3jv
2. candy (2 lb)
3. 6 pcs plushie

First 3D print out a capsule queue. Below is the file.

Use the axle to test if it fits in the middle hole, if not change the size of the hole to fit. Make sure the capsules can fit through the larger holes. This ensures that the capsules will fall into the collected area.

For the mechanism, use bevel gears and axles from the Vex robotics kit. The medium-sized axle will be attached to the printed capsule queue, while the longest axle will be where the handle is attached to and do the turning. Attach the a bevel gear to each of the axles. You can test out the mechanism. The bevel gear from the long axle will turn the bevel gear of the smaller axle which will then turn the capsule queue (modeled by the large gear in photo).

Print out the case for the capsule machine.

The large whole is where the capsule ball will fall out of. The tiny whole in the front will be where you insert the axle + handle. The square whole in the middle is where the capsule queue fits on top.

3D print a handle to turn the mechanism. Below is the file of the knob.

After printing it out, use the axle and test if it fits. If it doesn't, change the size of the bottom hole. Superglue the handle onto the very end of the axle to prevent it from getting loose.

This lid is to ensure the capsule queue is able to have a surface to lay on without bumping into the other sections. It also acts as a support for where the small axle will fit through.

Below is the file.

Refer to the images above on how to assemble the capsule queue mechanism

Assembling:

1) First we will assemble one long axle and insert it through the front hole of the casing. Take 1 long axle (one with the handle attached on), attach a rubber washer with a bevel gear in the between (at the middle of the axle). This is easier to do when you insert the axle halfway through the top hole of the casing. Attach 2 rubber washers at the end of the axle and make the axle go through the back hole of the casing.

2) Get the 2nd long axle and cut at least 1/4 of one end. this will now be called the "smaller axle."

3) Get the capsule queue, insert small axle through it, add 2 washers with bevel gear in between. Insert these through the large lid. Refer to images.

3) At the end of the small axle, add 2 washers.

4) Add a bevel gear at the VERY end of the small axle. You can superglue this on to prevent it from shifting. This will align with the bevel gear of the large axle when the mechanism turns.

5) Attach the entire assembly onto the printed casing.

6) Turn the handle and see if the entire mechanism works. The bevel gears should be correctly aligned.

Make sure the assembly and orientation is exactly like how it is indicated in the photos.

Laser cut the Acrylic panels from the file below. Use acrylic cement to glue all 4 sides together (shape as a box). This will be put on top of the casing.

Cut acrylic panels 4 times from the file below. Attach to corners of the boxed window using acrylic cement. This prevents the capsules from jamming at the corners.

Print out the final covering for the capsule machine. Put this on top of the window panels. Open it to put in the capsule balls, close it once done.

Fit whatever you choose for prizes into each capsule ball. We put in candy and plushies.

Load up the capsule balls and enjoy your Gashapon!