Class Assignment #12
Composites
i decided to create a piece of my final project; a hook for the curtains to be swept to one side of the window when someone wants to allow sunlight in. i decided the strength and lightweight nature of the material would be good for this because, the curtains will be much heavier than typical curtains.
click here for the partworks file.
First, i drew out the design, figured some ideal measurements, and recreated the design in Partworks. i decided to do a core composite ontop of foam. So i used the Shopbot to mill out the shape in foam. i did not acurately account for the tool, in that i should have used an extra long endmill since the thickness of the foam was 2 inches.
i used linen and Super Sap epoxy mix to make the composite, followed the manufacturer's directions, and layed over the foam, completely covering it. i used four layers and then wrapped in the perforated film and felt and put into the vaucuum bag. The process went very quickly.
i turned on the vacuum and applied to clamps to the valve to get it as tight as possible. And eagerly unwrapped after the 24 hour cure period had passed...
i think the next time that i do this process my result will be smoother and i will make more cuts in the fabric if fitting around a curve to cut down on the bulk.
And here is the finished piece... i am truly shocked at how strong it is.
BOM
Partworks
Shopbot
Linen
Epoxy mix
Vacuum bag
Felt
Realease paper