Machine Setup

• Retrieve Design: Remove the finished design from the wood sheet.

• Sheet Handling: Take the remaining sheet material since it is personal property.

• Paint: Spray the cut design with white paint

• Assembly: After spraying the parts assembly them together and put the two bolts and nuts. 

• Documentation: Take photos throughout the process for documentation purposes.

Problem:
During my assignment in Week 3, I initially designed a desk organizer that, unfortunately, turned out to be too large for efficient fabrication. The original design required four sheets of material, each measuring 50x30 cm, which was not only resource-intensive but also impractical for my project timeline. This realization came after I had already invested significant time in the design process, leading to wasted effort and frustration.

Prevention:
This issue could have been avoided by considering the material constraints and fabrication limits earlier in the design phase. By setting size and material usage guidelines at the beginning, I could have ensured that the design was both feasible and efficient.

Solution:
After realizing the impracticality of my original design, I decided to research minimalistic designs that would be more suited to my fabrication constraints. I explored various online resources and design databases, drawing inspiration from compact and efficient layouts. From these references, I created a new, minimalistic design that could be fabricated using fewer sheets, saving both time and materials.

This approach not only solved the immediate problem but also taught me the value of efficient design and resource management. In the future, I will consider fabrication limits and materials from the start, ensuring that my designs are practical as well as aesthetically pleasing

Learning:

The solution to this challenge was largely driven by research into minimalistic design principles. I consulted several online resources and design forums, finding inspiration in articles like this one on minimal design principles. These sources provided valuable insights into how to reduce complexity while maintaining functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Problem:

During my assignment in Week 3, I faced a problem with the front of the drawer I fabricated for a small desk organizer. After assembly, the front part broke due to the weakness in the left section. This weakness was likely a result of my design choices, where the material was too thin to withstand the stress of frequent use. The laser-cutting process may have further weakened the material at critical points, which I hadn’t adequately reinforced.

Prevention:

This issue could have been prevented with better design considerations. I should have ensured that all parts, especially those subject to stress, were strong enough to endure repeated use.

Solution:  

To fix the broken front part of the drawer, I used glue to reattach the broken section. While this worked as a temporary solution, it’s not ideal for long-term durability. A more robust solution would involve redesigning the drawer with thicker materials, or possibly adding internal supports to the weak areas. These improvements would require more time for redesign and testing, which I did not have during this project.

Problem:

Another challenge arose during the finishing process of the drawer and organizer. After spraying one side of the parts, I didn’t wait long enough for the paint to dry before spraying the other side. This caused the first sprayed face to become glutinous and deform badly when I flipped it over. The result was a poor and uneven paint job that compromised the aesthetic and surface quality of the finished product.

Prevention:

This issue could have been easily avoided by allowing adequate drying time between sprays. Ensuring that the first side was completely dry before handling or spraying the second side is essential to prevent deformation and sticking.

Solution:

I used a smoothing machine to remove the uneven, glutinous paint layer. This step helped me achieve a smooth, clean surface again, allowing me to reapply the spray paint more effectively. By carefully sanding away the flawed paint and applying a new, even coat, I was able to restore the appearance of the organizer.

While this solution worked, it was time-consuming and could have been avoided with better initial practices. A more efficient approach would involve strict adherence to drying times and using a rotating stand or drying rack to avoid contact with wet surfaces. This experience has taught me to be more patient and precise in finishing processes to prevent such issues from recurring.

Problem:

The final issue I encountered was with the assembly of the desk organizer. After putting together the parts, I found that the drawer didn’t fully enter the organizer due to a clearance issue. I had overlooked the space needed for the nuts used in the assembly, which interfered with the drawer’s movement.

Prevention:

This problem could have been prevented with a more careful review of the design’s clearance tolerances before fabrication. Ensuring that all components, especially those involved in moving parts like drawers, have sufficient clearance is crucial. A proper fit check in the design software or creating a physical prototype to test the fit would have identified this issue earlier in the process.

Solution:

I removed the nuts and bolts from the assembly. The spray paint filled in the gaps between the teeth, making the joints tight enough to hold the organizer together without the need for additional fasteners. This solution allowed the drawer to fit properly and function as intended.

While removing the nuts and bolts solved the immediate problem, it’s a workaround rather than an ideal solution. In future projects, I would account for the additional thickness from spray paint and other finishes, and ensure that all components have enough clearance to function smoothly, even with the added layers.

I'm literally dying from cringe of mine.