Fab Academy
Learning about Moulding and Casting
To do:
Group assignment: I worked with my colleague Jhasmin Ayala
1. Review the safety data sheets for each of your molding and casting materials
2. Make and compare test casts with each of them
3. Compare printing vs milling molds
Individual assignment:
1. Design a mold around the process you’ll be using, produce it with a smooth surface finish that does not show the production process, and use it to cast parts.
WHAT I ALREADY KNOW BEFOREHAND?
My experience with baking cookies and cakes gave me a basic foundation for this week's task. I find it very fun to experiment with different materials and techniques, and especially to learn about the versatility and application of each one.
Group assignment:
Check this link
Individual assignment:
1. Designing and 3D Printing a Hinge
• Concept: Designing a hinge that cannot be made subtractively is a great choice because hinges often require interconnected parts that are challenging to create through traditional machining methods.
• Tools: I experimented with Fusion 360 and Blender, ultimately choosing Blender, although I had to design using approximations. Blender is excellent for organic and complex shapes, while Fusion 360 is better for parametric and mechanical designs. For a hinge, Fusion 360 might have been more straightforward due to its precision tools.
• Challenges:
o Ensuring the hinge parts fit together properly.
o Designing for 3D printing constraints (e.g., overhangs, tolerances).
Reference video: this link
REFLECTIONS
It's incredible what can be achieved in terms of customization and experimentation with new designs and materials. This prototyping technique serves as a bridge between digital prototyping and analog product manufacturing at a larger scale.