Design and produce something with a digital process (incorporating computer aided design and manufacturing) not covered in another assignment, documenting the requirements that your assignment meets, and including everything necessary to reproduce it.
Have you answered these questions?
- Documented the workflow(s) and process(es) you used ✅
- Explained how your process is not covered on other assignments ✅
- Described problems encountered (if any) and how you fixed them ✅
- Included original design files and source code ✅
- Included ‘hero shot’ of the result ✅
Embroidery Machine Workflow
To develop this task, I saw it convenient to use an embroidery machine, since it is a specialized, computer-assisted sewing machine designed to create patterns and designs on fabric using thread.
1.-CFHS-1204 Embroidery Machine
The CFHS-1204 is a four-head, 12-needle computerized embroidery machine, commonly used in commercial settings for high-volume embroidery on items like caps, shirts, and flat garments. It's particularly favored by small to medium-sized businesses due to its efficiency and versatility.
CFHS-1204 Embroidery Machine Features
- Computerized embroidery machine with 4 heads.
- Each head has 12 needles, allowing up to 12 thread colors in one design.
- Approximate embroidery area per head: 400 mm x 450 mm.
- Maximum embroidery speed: up to 1,200 stitches per minute (varies by material and design).
- Control system: Dahao A15 or A18, with multiple languages and automatic functions like color change and thread trimming.
- Supports optional attachments for special effects, such as:
- Sequin embroidery.
- Cording embroidery.
- Chenille embroidery.
2.- Embroidery Design
3.-File Transfer
The design was transferred to the machine via USB, once the file was opened on the control screen, the embroidery file was selected.
4.-Start of Embroidery
Reflections
- This week, I delved into the use of gypsum (calcium sulfate hemihydrate), which is used to make the positive mold. The manufacturing process was easy to mix and mold, as it hardens quickly upon contact with water. It is also ideal for reproducing fine details in artisanal molds. The material I used for the casting process was wax, used as a moldable material within the plaster mold. It melts at a low temperature (~60°C) and is poured onto the mold. When cooled, it preserves the details well. It can be easily removed for processes such as lost-wax casting. The combination of gypsum and wax allows for the manufacture of molds with high precision and ease of replication. I also learned about the thermal behavior of wax and the setting of plaster, thus reinforcing the concepts of casting, modeling, and material safety.
- On the other hand, having used the combination of 3D printing and silicone molding, I found it to be a surprising technique, as it allows for the creation of highly precise, custom molds. It's a versatile technique, useful for both prototyping and artisanal production, but it also requires careful mixing and curing of the silicone to ensure a clean, bubble-free result.