8. Computer controlled machining

For this week of FabAcademy, we learned to use CNC machines, how to operate them and how to design the input for the machines.

Individual Assignment

To get started with computer controlled machining, I was looking forward to build something rather simple. Therefore, I thought of a piece of furniture and decided to design a table. To make it different than a simple object to place other objects on, I decided to add different functions to it.

As a result, my final idea for this week became a table, that can not only be easily edited in terms of dimension, but you can also attach different modules on the surface than can be designed freely. The table I designed for personal use is made to be used in a living room.

As you can see in the picture above, the (poorly assembled) table has eight small holes to put glasses in, in addition to a bigger hole in the center to put e.g. bottles.

The hole in the middle can be filled with the structure on the right side in the picture and I designed small fills for the glass cuts, too.

The final idea is to be able to use the premade holes in the tables surface to place modules on it. For example, you could think of a module to put on the surface that provides extra space for e.g. board or card games.

This way, you can extend the table at any time to fulfill the purpose you want it to.

Laser Cutter Prototype

Milling

Assembly

Unfortunately, the FabLab is closed until further notice, which is why I could not yet try and cut or mill the table.