A device for producing artificial muscles from nylon fishing line with a heater wire

The paper introduces a device “Artificial Muscle Twister” (AMT) used for producing artificial muscles from nylon fishing line with a heater wire. AMT is assembled from common electronic and mechanical components, while the case is printed on the 3D printer. The device is used for winding wire onto a nylon monofilament and twisting followed by coiling threads to form helical springs. The paper presents the main characteristics of the muscle samples created by AMT, differing in source fiber diameter and process of manufacturing. The produced muscles are actuated by applying voltage to the wire wound around the nylon fiber through the MOSFET keys of the 12 volt power supply. The proposed device can be used in small-scale production of artificial muscles in research and practical use. The assembly and operation circuit, as well as the 3D models will be available as open source.