Kit Parametric
1. Parametric Module Design for Children:
Since the challenge for this week 03 is to create a parametric kit, I needed to use a software that would help me do it, as I didn’t know how to. That’s why I’ve added the learning process in week 02.Click here to view it.
I'm starting to create my model!
Before starting, I thought about which aspects of my design would be parametric. I reviewed previous assignments, and what I defined as parametric in my design were the thickness, depth, height, width, and the circle. This will allow me to easily adjust the height and material thickness depending on the material I have available at that moment.
Here are some of the commands I used.
| 📌 Command |
🔹 Shortcut |
📋 Description |
| ✏ Sketch | Shift + S | Create a new sketch on a plane or face. |
| 🔄 Extrude | Shift + E | Extrude a 2D profile to generate a solid. |
| 📏 Dimension | D | Add dimensions to a sketch. |
| 📐 Constraint | C | Apply geometric constraints. |
| ✂ Trim | T | Trim lines in a sketch. |
| 🔄 Fillet | F | Create a fillet on edges or corners. |
| 📌 Chamfer | Shift + C | Create a chamfer on an edge or corner. |
| 🔗 Mate | M | Join parts in an assembly. |
| 🛠 Hole | H | Create a hole with standard specifications. |
| 🚀 Transform | Shift + T | Move, rotate, or scale an entity. |
I started creating the design for my parametric kit after learning a bit about Onshape. I thought about making parametric toy modules for children, specifically in the shape of little figures with arms and legs. I began designing them and continued exploring the program.
First, I created the rectangular shape and followed the steps in the tutorial to recreate the openings for the fitting. In Onshape, there's the option for variable (x), which allowed me to assign parameters to the height, width, depth, diameter, radius, chamfer, thinkness, etc.
After setting the measurements, I proceeded to extrude the shape, also using the thickness parameter.
Now, I proceed to assemble it virtually to showcase the assembly
In this figure, you can notice the difference in the parametric measurements and how the shape changes according to the numbering. What's interesting here is that, when the material thickness is changed, the shape automatically updates.
Material
Before starting the cut, I choose my material, which is recycled, a toy box. This will be used for what I have designed: 2 mm thick cardboard with two faces, one laminated and the other made of cardboard. I place the material in the laser machine, adjust the laser for the material, and use a 7 mm ruler
Software and Hardware
I begin configuring the RDWorksV8 program. For this, I start making the configurations and check that the file is correct. I first started with a speed setting of 30 and power 40 to test it, but it didn't work.
I continued testing on 2 mm cardboard. I tried with speed 50 and power 20, but it failed. Then, I tried with speed 45 and power 25, and it worked! I was able to make my little person kit.
All the little people were cut correctly. Now it's time to assemble and have some fun with the parametric kit!
Results of the first parametric kit:
With this kit, you can create different shapes and build bridges or castles.
The first parametric kit I designed successfully met the set objectives. Upon assembling it, I was able to confirm that the pieces fit correctly and that the joints, based on the pressfit design, worked well without the need for glue. The thickness, height, and width parameters were adjustable, allowing the kit to adapt to the available material and design preferences. The assembly process was straightforward, demonstrating that the design is suitable for both physical assembly and understanding the concepts it was meant to teach.
But above all, one can have fun with the family by bringing technology into the home.
Reflections on using the Laser Cutter with RDWorks V8 in my Parametric Module Design for Children:
Material preparation: I used recycled material, a toy box with a thickness of 2 mm. This was the key parameter for adjusting the cut to the available material.
Design: First, I designed the model in a CAD software, adjusting the dimensions to the material and the type of cut I wanted to achieve.
Cutting parameters: I set the power and speed of the laser in RDWorks V8, based on the characteristics of the recycled material, which allowed me to achieve a clean and efficient cut.
Cutting operations: For the joints, I used pressfit to ensure an assembly without glue, as the cardboard material didn’t require a complicated cutting angle like chamfer.
Testing and adjustments: I ran several test cuts to verify that the parameters and design were correctly matched to the material.
2. Parametric Lamp:
Design
I did another parametric kit exercise, and this time I designed a lamp. I applied the same parametric design principles to create the lamp pieces, ensuring they were adjustable based on the available materials and design requirements. This exercise allowed me to explore new shapes and functions within a practical project, demonstrating how parameters can be adapted to create functional and aesthetically pleasing objects.
Now, to make it more fun, and since I liked the Onshape program, I made a parametric lamp!😀
I begin by creating a basic shape, as this will allow me to familiarize myself with the software and the necessary tools for my design. Starting from this initial shape, I will adjust the measurements and details that will help me shape my lamp.
I create a circular pattern that projects throughout the entire circle. I choose 30 spaces, as I want the lamp to look somewhat dense and have a flower-like shape.
I design the Chamfer so that the piece can fit easily, and I also create a variable to make it parametric.
Here, I make a note in each box, where the different values are displayed.
What is marked in green are the parameters that helped me set the diameter and the material thickness.
Here, I can leave a note about what happened to me right in the lab. I had configured my design in 3mm MDF, but I couldn’t find material of that thickness. I had to walk around the lab and found 2.8mm MDF. The great thing about parametric designs is that I could change the material thickness with just one click, and it was ready for cutting!
Material + Software and Hardware
I placed the 1220 mm x 870 mm MDF material, with a thickness of 2.8 mm, on the CNC laser bed. I calibrated the laser to the material and set the power to 50 and the speed to 20 in the RDWorksV8 software.
Here we can see the pieces already cut, ready to move on to the next phase, which is assembly.
Results of the first parametric kit:
A little while modeling with the result of the lamp.
And now, some pictures of the lamp showing off in its best pose, which is on the ceiling!, with the light off and on.
And now a perspective view.!
Vinyl Cutter
For the vinyl cutting activity, I had to go to Toulouse Lautrec, where Silvana provided me with her support to carry it out.
Design