Automatic Header Pin Separator
DIY machine splits up male headers so you don't have to!
Single-row male header pins typically come in a configuration that you can snap apart as needed. This is fine for one or two sets of pins, but what about 10, 50, or more? At some point this task become tedious. If you don’t feel like ordering/waiting for a custom sized-headers, then Mr Innovative's DIY cutting machine can take care of things for you.
In operation, pin headers are stacked in the machine, which are then incrementally pushed forward by the amount of pins needed. Pushing is taken care of by a rather innovative servo-driven feed mechanism. This pushes pins forward via a long flexible sheet of material (a tongue?), which is then retracted into a 3D-printed spiral holder section.
To-be-cut sections are presented outside of the machine, then pushed up and snapped off via a DC motor-driven cam mechanism. When one row of pins is processed, the pusher retracts and the next row of pins drops into place. A weight is placed on top of the rows of headers, presumably to keep the pins firmly in place.
Controls-wise, the device uses an ATmega328P-AU for processing along with a pair of A4988s for handling the motors. User interface is via a small touchscreen. This allows the user to dictate the number of pins per cut section, as well as how many sets of headers need to be produced. See the build in the video below, and info on the control board can be found here.