Victor P

Using cardstock as the main material, I learned different methods to form attachments. First, I had to visualize a 2D design and consider which cuts would be scoring, so that folds can be smooth. Regarding the flange, roll, and cone shape, I learned that to form a curve without marks, I would have to pull the cardstock across the edge of a table. I used a X-Acto knife for cutting, as I only knew how to use snap-blade knives before. I find X-Acto knives to be a lot easier and accurate to use, as the thin body of the knife feels like cutting paper with a pencil. Regarding gluing, I used tacky glue for all of them, which I learned had to be applied by spreading instead of just dots of glue, since this would allow the surface area of adhesion to increase and thus stick better.

The difference between cardstock and cardboard is obviously the thickness of the material. Notably, designing the boxes would require attention on that the cardboard box would have 2 "big" squares and 4 smaller squares subtracting the thickness of the cardboard. This exercise taught me that I have to be aware of the different conditions of different materials. Hypothetically, if I were to make a wood box, issues of thickness and adhesion would have to considered as well.

As an exercise to become familiar with common software and hardware utilized in the FabLab, I designed and fabricated my logo.

The design process first occurred on paper, as I sketched out different designs with a pencil. I settled on the one shown in the photo, for its simplistic nature, and its checkmark symbolizing "V" for "Victor". Moreover, the upper and lower half of the logo are able to connect, representing connectivity. Then I translated the sketch to a digital design using Adobe Illustrator. I used techniques I learned earlier from Ink Scape to combine and cut different shapes.

The fabrication process began with formatting the design into a 3" x 3" inch artboard. I then added 0.0001in lines on segments where I wanted the laser cutter to cut out. Eventually, the design was printed. As planned, with one attempt at the laser cutter, I acquired two versions of my logo: one with the positive space, one with the negative space.

During the laser cutting process, I began familiar with the procedures. I also learned specifically to turn on the air ventilation, as smoked built up during my attempt.

I continued the fabrication process of my logo by using a vinyl cutter. I learned how to extract the outline of my logo design, and subsequently print it using the vinyl cutter. I specifically took note of the settings of the vinyl cutter, where I have to choose to use the piece setting instead of the roll setting, considering that I'm using a piece of vinyl, not a roll. I also learned to add on the transfer tape on a flat surface. When applying the sticker, I should remove the transfer tape diagonally.

I completed all the tinkercad lessons required. Many techniques were similar to those utilized in Illustrator and Inkscapre, except obviously being in 3D.

I continued to enhance my skills with the laser cutter by making this name stand.

Sketch

After browsing around, I decided to make a pair of glasses that would have bars in between them, creating the visual effect of disillusion when the user wears them.

For the dimensions of the eyeglasses, I simply used the dimensions of my own glasses. It only made sense, since the glasses I'm wearing on a daily basis fit me just fine.

Cardstock

I then cut out the cardstock version of design, I tried it on, and it mostly fit well. The only area that was uncomfortable was the nose, as there was not a smooth curve that would allow the glasses to comfortably rest on the nose. I took note of that issue in my technical drawing.

Technical Drawing

Using the cardstock as a reference, I drew my design on grid paper, marked with the dimensions in inches.

2D Design

With the drawing in mind, I used Adobe Illustrator to draw out my design. I used tools such as grouping, anchors, reflections, etc.

I also considered how the arms would attach to the frontal areas of the glasses, as I made 1/8" by 1/8" squares for the arms to connect, as 1/8" is the thickness of cardboard and wood.

Top: cardboard and wood version

Bottom: extension version

Cardboard

The prototype fits well, no issues.

Wooden Glasses

There was a minor hiccup. I used a scrap piece to cut out the glasses, hence there was not enough space to print out the whole design, explaining the minor dent on the left side of the glasses.

Extension

There were major alterations for my extended version

1) Hinges

In order for the glasses to be more practical, I decided to add hinges so that they can be more portable and easy to use. In order to do so, I had to experiment with the diameter of the hole sizes that the screws would be screwed in, so that the arms would not be flappy, but rather secured. Additionally, I used the belt sander to shorten the thickness of the hinge attachments, so that the attachments would not be thicker than the acrylic. This would allow the hinge attachments to be secured on the arms, reducing a floppy effect.

2) Acrylic

I wanted to use orange acrylic because I thought it looked a lot cooler given the transparency. I also used the acrylic bender to give the glasses a more comfortable fit with the curves both in the frontal part and the arms. When worn by the user, the visual field becomes intersected with lines of see-through orange. Many of my classmates especially liked the design, and were surprised by the fact that I made it instead of store-bought.