Embedded Files
CNC Machine / Shotbot
CNC Machine / Shotbot
Upon starting the second semester, the first project in the Engineering Design Method II course was creating a phone stand using the CNC machine. This project would further one's skill use on Corel, Fusion 360, learn how to use Aspire, and of course, learn the use of the Shotbot.
I searched for a phone stand I could cut on the Shotbot that would be simple, yet functional.
I decided on this design of a cat, because I liked the design and the dimensions the picture included. In order to make something similar to this, I had to insert the design into Corel, get the outline of the cat and alter it, and then attempt to redraw it similarly in Fusion 360.
Above is the outline of the stand in Corel and my drawing in Fusion 360. While attempting to replicate the cat phone stand, I learned how to use constraints and splines in Fusion 360. After I made a design I was content with, I saved the file and opened in the program Aspire in order to create a file that the Shotbot would read.
Once I edited the stand to the correct dimensions and altered the tabs so the stand could fit into a base, I created a profile cut that the Shotbot would cut. Additionally, I made sure the Shotbot would cut for 4 passes, and inserted tabs to keep the stand from moving around. After previewing the toolpath, my stand was ready to be saved as the correct Shotbot file and cut.
After learning how to use the Shotbot, my teacher gave my class the task to design and cut stools for our FabLab at school. I looked on the internet for some ideas, and then sketched a basic drawing on my iPad in the Notability app.
These included dimensions were the initial dimensions that I used to design my stool on Corel Draw. Below are screenshots of my designs in Corel. Because I would be cutting a test stool on the laser cutter, I used the dimensions of our laser cutter and put the stool top and the stool legs on separate files.
After finishing my initial design on Corel, I decided to laser cut the top and legs out of cardboard to see what the dimensions would look like in real life.
Though the size of the stool top was decent, I realized that my legs were several inches too short. Additionally, the placement of the legs allowed the stool to be stable, but easily tipped on one side. This meant that I needed to not only lengthen the stool legs, but edit the tabs on the stool top.
FlatFab
FlatFab
FlatFab is a program that "helps you design and fabricate 3D objects." The software was introduced to my class by our teacher, along with the braod assignment to create something on the program and laser cut it.
Final Project
Final Project
Upon reaching the last marking period of the year, it was time to start brainstorming for our final projects. The only requirement for these projects was to use the CNC Machine. Though we were encouraged to look at past FabAcademy projects for inspiration, I found my inspiration on Opendesk: a website with furniture designed for workplaces that you could buy, as well as download the designs for to build your own. I was captivated by the Wiki Booth, a booth for studying and overall getting work done. I liked the design and idea of the booth, and decided to use this as my final project. I knew I could not copy the design exactly, so I would have to edit the booth to make it my own. I did find two other project ideas on FabAcademy, a surfboard and a smart planter, but I was really captivated by the booth and was eager to attempt to make my own.
The wiki booth features a desk and storage for magazines or thinner books. The back of the booth is slanted to allow some room once seated inside it. My initial edits were :
- remove telephone sign on top
- add an extra shelf for books
- include hole for chargers on wall of booth
- put booth on wheels
Below is the original booth versus my sketch of the booth I wanted to build.
After talking to my peer about additional edits for the booth, I decided to make the booth more rounded, and less "box-like". In my second sketch, I rounded the edges of the booth to make it flow more and look less rigid. In order to allow the back panel of the booth to be angled, so whoever was sitting in it could lean back, I decided to incorporate a living hinge. The living hinge would provide a cool but functional aspect on my booth. After researching the multitude of designs one can make, I decided on simple, proportional lines.
This document is my daily journal, where I recorded my progress throughout the course of the project. I included images so you can view my work. Ultimately, my teacher allowed me to make this project a proof of concept project, and I would be able to cut it on the Shotbot the following year.
Here are the pictures of my final prototype of the study booth. I am pretty pleased with how it turned out, incorporating a desk to work on and small shelf for storage. It was quite the process, but I am excited to build it full size next year.
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