About me Weekly Assignments

Alive Wood

[ sensible furniture ]

The beginning series of furniture that integrates capacitive touch sensors and LED lighting to create an interactive and aesthetically pleasing object. Combining advanced design and fabrication techniques to create furniture that responds to seamless touch inputs, providing a dynamic lighting experience.

Design: 3D modelling: Rhino + Grasshopper

1. Sketching ideas and taking measurements: I asked my instructors if I could push toward a different path so I could expand my carpentry skills.

2. Rhino: SubD modelling for a morph shape, playing around with mesh faces.

3. BowerBird + OpenNest: using the same script from week 3 "Computer Controlled Cutting". Connected the new brep and adapted the iterations on the nesting.

References: Capacitive sensors & lights


Computer Controlled Machining

Setting up CNC files

1. Set up XYZ + Load "Drilling" file: These coordinates ensure that the tool starts at the correct position relative to the workpiece. Additionally, the control panel shows the machine's status and messages, including spindle and coolant operations, which are critical for safe and efficient machining.

2. Start screwing.

4. Load "Profilling Internal & External" file.

Sanding(manual) + Assembly + Clamping

Final Outcome

For more information about the fabrication process, please go to Week 07: CNC.


Input & Output devices

KiCAD: Capacitive touch readings through wood

  • Power Section: Includes connectors for USB power input (P1) and voltage regulators (U3) to ensure the SAMD21 microcontroller (U2) and other components receive the correct voltage levels. The green lines represent the power traces.
  • Microcontroller (U2): The main component of the circuit is the SAMD21 microcontroller. It is connected to various headers and connectors for programming (J4) and interfacing with other components.
  • LED Strip Connections: Headers (J1, J2, J3) for connecting LED strips, each with their own power and signal lines. The connections are labeled for clarity, ensuring easy identification during assembly.
  • Pin Headers: Various pin headers (J4, J9) for connecting peripherals and external modules. These headers are strategically placed for easy access and soldering.
  • Resistors and Capacitors: Basic components such as resistors (R4, R5) and capacitors (C1, C2) are included for filtering and stabilizing the power supply and signals.

    • Tracing + Milling + Soldering

    1. Arrange and connect components according to schematic design.

    2. Before exporting the board check that everything is correct through the "Design Rules checker":

    3. Some of the Errors & Warnings are because I haven't drawn the outline of the board and not attached traces for the touch pads.

    4. Export board to SVG file.

    Wood slots + Testing

    I worked with the same scraped wood prototype which I later trimmed using a small dremel that I found at the carpentry. I made thin slots in between each lamella of wood in order to fit the copper pads and have a better visualization of the tables aesthetics and functionality.

    For more information about the SAMD21 and Arduino IDE programming, please go to Week 11: Input devices.


    System Integration

    3D printing electronic case

    The next step involved preparing the 3D model for printing using Ultimaker Cura. The slicing process optimized the model for 3D printing, ensuring the case would be printed with the necessary precision and strength.

    Once the slicing was complete, the case was printed, providing a durable housing for the PCB and other electronic components.

    3D Printing: PCB case

    The next step was preparing the 3D model for printing using Ultimaker Cura. The slicing process optimized the model for 3D printing, adjusting parameters such as print quality, infill density, and estimated print time.

    Once the model was ready, the 3D printing process began with Creality Ender Pro 3 printer using PLA. The video shows the process in action, where the printer builds the case layer by layer.

    CNC main wood case

    After preparing the wooden structure and 3D-printed case, the components were assembled. The PCB was secured in the case, and wiring for the capacitive touch sensors and LED strips was meticulously arranged to ensure functionality and aesthetics.

    The finished product featured a sleek design with all the interactive elements seamlessly integrated but with easy access in case of maintainance.

    For more information about the process, please go to Week 16: System Integration.


    Applications & Implications

    How much will it cost?

  • 1 - Sheet of 15mm Plywood (15 to 20 euros)
  • 1 - 3D printed casing using polymaker polyterra PLA (A few cents)
  • 1 - Lasercuted acrylic (A few cents)
  • 19 Neopixels - 1 meter led strip (10 euros)
  • 3 - PCB with double sided copper clad board (1-5 euros)
  • 2 - SAMD21 microcontrollers (3 euros)
  • 1 - 3.3V voltage regulator (A few cents)
  • 3 - Capacitors (A few cents)
  • 2 - 1K resistors
  • 1 - 220 resistor
  • 2 - Vertical pinheaders (A few cents)
  • 4 - Horizontal pinheaders (A few cents)
  • 1 - Yellow led (A few cents)
  • 1 - AC/DC usb converter (1 euro)
  • 1 - USB A cable (2 euros)
  • 1 - Set of connection cables (1 euro)

    • For more information about the Implications, please go to Week 17: Applications & Implications.


    Invention, Intellectual property and Income

    Dissemination plan

    For AliveWood I have no commercial intentions, but mainly to use it as part of a class or excersice on an educational program that promotes hands-on learning and fabrication methods. In that case, I would need to use: ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-SHAREALIKE 4.0 INTERNATIONAL license.

    You are free to:

  • Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
  • Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material
  • The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.

    • For more information about the license, please go to Week 19: Invention, intellectual property and income.


    Resources

    Josep Martí // Fab Lab Barcelona lead instructor

    Adai Suri // Fab Lab Barcelona instructor

    Julia Leirado // Fab Lab Barcelona instructor

    Santi Fuentemilla // Fab Lab Barcelona coordinator

    Philipp Wienkamper // IAAC Fabrication Laboratory

    Dídac Torrent // IAAC Fabrication Laboratory

    Files

    Download Rhino + GH + CNC in ZIP package here.

    Download KiCAD and SVG in ZIP package here.

    Download Arduino IDE code here.