CAD File Preparation Checklist
What to do with the Input-Inc OpenSAINT CAD files before cutting/printing anything.
Day 1-2 (Week 1): Download & Review
- Download 2022 OpenSAINT CAD files from GitHub (SolidWorks format, ~10GB)
- Import into Fusion 360 (File → Open → select
.sldasmfiles) - Review EVERY assembly — understand how parts fit together before modifying anything
- Join Input-Inc Discord via Patreon — ask questions about which assemblies are finalized vs. WIP
- Download Carlz Thingiverse STL set — compare to Input-Inc files for printable alternatives
- Download Hytech76 iris eye STL — for servo-driven iris mechanism
Day 2-3: Categorize Parts
Create a master spreadsheet with these columns:
| Part Name | Assembly | Method | Material | Machine | Modified? | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Left torso side plate | Torso | Laser cut | 1/8” 5052 aluminum | Laguna EX | Scale to dolly width | Not started |
| Head shell top | Head | 3D print | PLA multi-color | K1 Max | Split for 300mm bed | Not started |
| Chassis base plate | Base | CNC route | 1/4” 6061 aluminum | Colex SX | Custom to dolly dims | Not started |
Categorize every part into one of:
- 3D PRINT — Cosmetic shells, small brackets, fingers, covers, iris, details
- LASER CUT — Aluminum structural plates (up to 1/4”), steel internal brackets (up to 3/16”)
- CNC ROUTE — Chassis base plate (1/4” aluminum), thick motor mounts, parts needing pockets
- WELD — Steel internal frames, cross-braces, reinforcement gussets, arm structure (Tier 3)
- PURCHASE — Servos, electronics, bearings, fasteners, chain, motors
Modifications Required
The OpenSAINT CAD assumes different dimensions than your dolly-based build. You’ll need to modify:
| What to Modify | Why | How |
|---|---|---|
| Base width | Match to YOUR dolly frame (measure after dolly arrives) | Scale torso side plates to fit actual dolly width |
| Track pod spacing | Match to dolly wheel spacing | Adjust pod mount holes in chassis plate |
| Chassis plate | Custom design — bridges dolly → J5 body | Design from scratch in Fusion 360 using dolly scan |
| Head shell | Split for 300mm print bed | Use Fusion 360 “Split Body” — cut at natural seam lines |
| Torso panels | Split for 300mm print bed | Same — split along panel lines, add alignment pins |
| Arm length | May need scaling for ASME-04B servos | Verify servo dimensions fit arm tube diameter |
| Waist bearing seat | Match your lazy susan bearing OD | Modify chassis plate bearing pocket to exact size |
| Battery bay | Size to your dolly’s battery (or 50Ah Tier 3) | Measure battery, design bay walls to match |
File Export Workflow
| Output | Format | For Machine | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3D print parts | .STL (binary, fine resolution) | K1 Max → Creality Print slicer | Export individual bodies, not assemblies |
| Laser cut parts | .DXF (2D profile) | Laguna EX laser software | Project 3D body → 2D sketch → export DXF |
| CNC parts | .DXF or .SVG (2D profile) | Colex software | Include drill holes, pockets as separate layers |
| Weld-fab parts | Print drawings (.PDF) | Your hands + welding jig | Dimension drawings for cut-to-size + weld layout |
RaptorX Integration Points
At each major assembly step, the RaptorX scan replaces traditional measurement:
| Step | Traditional Approach | RaptorX Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Dolly arrives | Measure with tape measure, transfer to CAD | Scan entire dolly → import mesh → design directly from scan |
| Frame shortened | Measure, hope it’s square | Scan → verify squareness in software → fix before proceeding |
| Chassis plate machined | Trust CNC accuracy, bolt and pray | Scan plate → overlay on dolly scan → verify hole alignment virtually |
| Head shell assembled | Eyeball alignment, test-fit | Scan → overlay on CAD → verify eye tube parallelism to 0.02mm |
| Final assembly | ”Looks right” | Scan complete J5 → compare to CAD → document as-built dimensions |
The scanner eliminates “measure twice, cut once” — instead it’s “scan once, cut with confidence.”