Safety Guidelines
Important safety information for building and operating Fabrica
⚠️
Safety First!
Read all safety guidelines before starting your build. Improper assembly or operation can result in electrical shock, burns, or mechanical injury.
Electrical Safety
Power Supply Safety
- •Always disconnect power before making any wiring changes
- •Use only 5V power supplies rated for at least 5A
- •Avoid cheap power supplies that lack short-circuit protection
- •Check polarity before connecting power (center-positive barrel jacks)
- •Never exceed voltage ratings of any component
Wiring Safety
- ⚡Double-check all connections before powering on
- ⚡Insulate exposed connections with heat shrink tubing or electrical tape
- ⚡Avoid creating short circuits between power and ground
- ⚡Use appropriate wire gauge for current load (20-22 AWG minimum)
- ⚡Keep wires organized and away from moving parts
Soldering Safety
- • Work in a well-ventilated area
- • Never touch the hot soldering iron tip
- • Use a proper soldering iron stand
- • Wear safety glasses when soldering
- • Wash hands after handling solder (contains lead)
Mechanical Safety
Moving Parts
- ⚙️Keep fingers clear of servo motors during operation
- ⚙️Servos can pinch with significant force—exercise caution
- ⚙️Do not force panels beyond their programmed range of motion
- ⚙️Secure all fasteners to prevent parts from coming loose
3D Printing Safety
- 🖨️Hot nozzles and beds can cause burns—never touch during/after printing
- 🖨️Work in ventilated area when printing (especially ABS/PETG)
- 🖨️Remove support material carefully using proper tools
- 🖨️Deburr sharp edges on printed parts before assembly
Tool Safety
- 🔧Use the right tool for each job—don't improvise
- 🔧Wear safety glasses when cutting or drilling
- 🔧Keep sharp tools away from the edge of your workspace
- 🔧Cut away from yourself when using knives or cutters
Operation Safety
Safe Operation Guidelines
- ✓Test on small items first before using valuable garments
- ✓Monitor the first few cycles of any new folding sequence
- ✓Do not overload panels with thick or heavy fabrics
- ✓Keep the workspace clear of obstacles
- ✓Stop immediately if you hear unusual sounds or see erratic movement
Emergency Stop
If anything goes wrong during operation:
- 1. Immediately disconnect power by unplugging the power supply
- 2. Do not attempt to stop moving parts with your hands
- 3. Inspect the system before reconnecting power
- 4. Identify and fix the issue before resuming operation
Supervision & Environment
- 👥Supervise children and pets around the operating robot
- 👥Place on a stable surface to prevent tipping
- 👥Keep away from water and other liquids
- 👥Operate in a dry location with adequate ventilation
Pre-Operation Safety Checklist
Before each use, verify the following:
Safety Review Complete
You've reviewed the safety guidelines. Keep these principles in mind throughout your build and operation. Now you're ready to start with the electronics and wiring.