Fab Academy
Learning about Computer-Controlled Machining
To do:
Group assignment: I worked with my colleague Jhasmin Ayala
1. Complete your lab’s safety training
2. Test runout, alignment, fixturing, speeds, feeds, materials and toolpaths for your machine
3. Document your work to the group work page and reflect on your individual page what you learned
Individual assignment:
1. Make (design+mill+assemble) something big
WHAT I ALREADY KNOW BEFOREHAND?
• I often struggle to find furniture that perfectly matches the required size, design, and functionality, leading to a lengthy search process. This week's task opens the door to a world where my imagination is the only limit! Using the CNC router fills me with anticipation, as it allows me to create custom objects with the exact dimensions and features, I need—including precise carvings and engravings—and, depending on the size and design, achieve results in a reasonable timeframe.
• I understand that materials, like wood, can have variations in thickness and color, so this is a critical factor to control during the process.
• Furthermore, I believe that when creating objects and furniture from wood or similar materials, it is crucial to consider implementing circular economy principles. This involves using eco-design strategies and finding uses for by-products like sawdust and other waste materials.
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
This week, I truly understood the connection between the digital world and carpentry/medium-scale manufacturing. It serves as a bridge between traditional craftsmanship and digital manufacturing, enabling the creation of products with superior design, functionality, and quality. I see significant potential for this technology to support the woodworking sector through:
• Product Quality Standardization
• Accelerated Production Processes
• Enhanced Product Functionality and Customization