Wilma Tüftelbausteine - Open-Source Prototyping Kit

Note: All content on this page was translated in collaboration with an assistant. The original website is in German, and you can find all details and information in German on Wilma Tüftelbausteine.

What are the Wilma Tüftelbausteine?

Wilma Tüftelbausteine are reusable construction blocks specifically designed for the prototyping process. They give young inventors the opportunity to explore mechanical functions and turn their creative ideas into models. Produced using a 3D printer, the blocks can be flexibly combined with materials like cardboard and wood. They serve as the framework for prototypes, which can be powered by standard motors and Edu-Tech components. Wilma Tüftelbausteine promote sustainable work and creative problem-solving, and they are available as open-source for free use.

Who are Wilma Tüftelbausteine for?

Wilma Tüftelbausteine are suitable for all age groups: younger children can experiment and build simple structures, while older children and teenagers work on more complex prototypes, tackle challenges, and extend their models with additional components. They learn to use 3D printing as a tool to develop creative solutions for real-world problems. The project raises awareness of 3D printing as a valuable tool, far beyond simple applications, for innovative problem-solving.

Assembly and Building Tips

Inventors often start by building on existing discoveries. With Wilma Tüftelbausteine, there are no fixed step-by-step instructions, but rather inspiring images and techniques that we have already developed. We are happy about many new ideas and makes here!

Here are a few tips for building with Tüftelbausteine:

• Building with cardboard: Combine blocks with cardboard for flexible and sturdy constructions.

• Flexible connections: Use the snap and clamp connections to create movable and adaptable prototypes.

• Adding motors: Integrate standard motors to bring your models to life.

• Mounting sensors and servos: Build mounts for sensors, servos, and geared motors to technically enhance your projects.

• Check out to inspire your own creations:
  More inspiration and building techniques can be found on our website!

Creating Learning Opportunities

Wilma Tüftelbausteine support the development of key skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. They are suitable for use in a variety of learning environments, including schools, STEM programs, maker spaces, libraries, and extracurricular activities.

Project-Oriented STEM and Maker Activities

Wilma Tüftelbausteine are an open-source construction system from a 3D printer that helps students implement mechanical functions and expand their projects with motors and Edu-Tech hardware.

At first, children get to know the blocks by replicating familiar constructions (reverse engineering). Inspiring videos help them creatively and independently design technical projects. Activities range from simple experiments to complex developments and foster long-term enthusiasm for STEM subjects and making.

Find more here: Challenges 

Group Challenges and Class Courses

Group challenges promote learning by doing and strengthen important cross-disciplinary skills such as teamwork and problem-solving. With the provided materials, teams develop prototypes that solve a specific task. Creative ideas emerge, and participants learn through experimentation what works. Challenges are quick, motivating, and open up space for innovative and constructive learning.

Workshop materials and Challenge Generator

Design Thinking Processes – Together, we can change the world!

There are three ways we can help: invent something, improve something, or convince others. By finding creative solutions to problems in our own environment, we contribute to achieving the global goals of the United Nations.

With Wilma Tüftelbausteine, children can create symbolic models to visualize their creative ideas. They transform materials like cardboard and packaging into prototypes that provide solutions to real problems. In doing so, children can also incorporate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and address global challenges in their projects. By presenting their ideas, they raise awareness of these problems and motivate others to get involved.

Change the world

Printing Tüftelbausteine Yourself

By producing Tüftelbausteine on-demand, only the necessary amount is created, minimizing transportation. The provided STL files are optimized for 3D printing and fit to FDM 3D printers. Simply import the file into the slicing software and prepare for printing. All parts are designed to print without support structures, so be sure to have a clean and well-calibrated print bed.

Recommended material and settings:

• Material: PLA filament
• Layer height: 0.2 mm
• Infill: 15 %

Recommended Quantity

The number of Tüftelbausteine required depends on the project. For our workshops, we have designed a kit with enough material for at least five inventors to work independently on challenges.

Workshop Kit:

This kit contains enough blocks for five participants. Accessories like wooden dowels, electronic components, and Edu-Tech hardware are not included but can be easily purchased from online retailers.

Additional Required Materials

Accessories like popsicle sticks, wooden dowels, electronic components, and Edu-Tech hardware can be purchased from online retailers (e.g., Opitec, Amazon) and put together individually. Many schools already have these materials or can purchase them at a low cost.

Recommended Materials for Five Kits:

• 5x Popsicle sticks, 500 pieces (114 x 10 mm) – necessary
• 25x Hardwood dowel, 6 mm, 500 mm long – necessary
• 50x Disposable syringes, 10 pieces, 10 ml – optional
• 5x PVC tubing, 5 m (6/4 mm) – optional
• 25x Gear motor, 2 drives, 120:1 – optional
• 25x Battery box, 3V, 2x AAA – optional
• 1x Progom rubber bands, 50(Ø32) mm x 4mm, green, 1 kg bag
• 2x Läufer Rondella rubber bands, 80 x 4 mm, 50g box, red

General Consumables:

• Cardboard, paper, recycled materials
• Craft and decorative materials, paints
• AA batteries, tape, string & rope

Electronics and Edu-Tech Hardware:

• TT gear motor
• 3V battery box with switch
• Edu-Tech (Calliope Mini, Micro:bit, Makeblock,…)
• LED lights, servo motors, solar modules
• Other sensors and actuators suitable for the microcontroller

Helpful Tools:

• Scissors/cutter, ruler, small hammer, pliers, hot glue gun, soldering iron & solder
• Optional: sandpaper, hand saw, power drill with wood bit

Wilma means we learn by doing.

License & Terms of Use

The idea of free Tüftelbausteine is originally based on inspirations and ideas from around the world, and it aims to continue this journey, inspiring others and inviting them to participate. Learn more here: https://erfinderbaukasten.wilmaonline.net/lizenz-nutzung-haftungsausschluss/.

Some WILMA Tüftelbausteine are not entirely new inventions; some parts are inspired, repurposed, or further developed. All are licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Find out more here: https://erfinderbaukasten.wilmaonline.net/download/.

Hashtags: #wilma #tüftelbausteine #erfinderbaukasten #opensource

Disclaimer

Wilma Tüftelbausteine are educational tools, not commercial toys. Children and teenagers should only work with the blocks and operate machines under adult supervision. The WILMA Tüftelbausteine project, Steven Marx, and all involved assume no liability for any damages resulting from misuse. Fit may vary when combined with natural materials like wood. Users are responsible for ensuring that all products and information comply with applicable laws and are appropriate for their intended purpose.

Note: All content on this page was translated in collaboration with an assistant. The original website is in German, and you can find all details and information in German on Wilma Tüftelbausteine.