What’s The Operation

During this unit, we were asked to create an operation game, incorporating skills including designing, laser cutting, 3D printing, vinyl cutting, and circuitry. After reviewing laser cutting by designing and assembling our own cardboard boxes, we began working on our personalized wood designs, which we would use for the final game. These were designed in CorelDraw, and we were given the opportunity to either choose or draw our board. Next, we created 3D models of our individual pieces in SketchUp, in which we later 3D printed. Finally, we completed the circuitry portion of our project, using copper tape, an LED, metal tweezers, AA batteries, resistors, and wiring. Below includes documentation of my project.

Here is the Corel Draw design

Here is the final cardboard laser cut box

Here is the sketch of the board game design

Here is the Corel Draw design for the game board

Here is the cardboard laser cutting

Wood laser cutting (on 1/8" wood)

My Movie 3.mov

Here is the video containing the laser cut of the game board. We first did a test cut on cardboard, before finalizing our design on wood. I chose my board to be a beehive because I thought the pieces would be very versatile, as well as interesting for players.

IMG_1232.MOV

Here is the video with the 3D print of one of the game's pieces. I printed seven in total, all consisting of different shapes and sizes. Each of my pieces were related to objects you would find in/near a beehive. This could include scrap pieces of wood or straw that make up the hive, or even the bees themselves!

3D Printer Workflow

Here is the 3D printer workflow including how to convert STL files into Gcode, slice the model, and print the design.

Reflection:

I struggled with the designing portion of this project. While I was able to implement the majority of my ideas successfully, I did have some difficulty when it came down to measurements. Regarding the 3D printed pieces, my designs were not accurately sized in proportion to the game board. This eventually caused me to reprint my pieces based on custom measurements rather than simply slicing it (at 85%).

I overcame these struggles by determining an efficient way to measure my pieces without having to print each more than 2-3 times. This allowed me to analyze my mistakes while measuring and improve upon it. By the time I was on my fifth or sixth piece, I could print the pieces without a huge issue.

IMG_1261.MOV

The final game consisted of pieces ranging in size and a successful circuit. The image to the right contains the final product involving the custom vinyl (located on the side of the board).

This video shows the active game while being used. It showcases the working circuit along with the pieces.