Assignment: Unfold
Assigned: Thursday, January 8
Due: Thursday, January 15 @ class start

Assignment Description:
Using planar surfaces in Rhino, students will design a simple three-dimensional form composed entirely of flat faces. The form will then be digitally unfolded into a single, contiguous flat pattern using rotate3D. This assignment focuses on understanding surface logic, edge relationships, and how three-dimensional forms translate into two-dimensional, fabrication-ready layouts.

Assignment Requirements:

1. Create a simple 3D form in Rhino using only planar surfaces (no curves, lofts, or freeform surfaces).

2. Ensure all surfaces join cleanly into a closed form, or form an intentional open structure.

3. Unfold the form into one contiguous flat pattern using the appropriate Rhino tools.

4. Create a process blog for this course using Blogger.com.

5. As your first blog post, upload clear screenshots of:

   • Your 3D planar form

   • The unfolded flat pattern

6. Bring your Rhino file containing both the 3D form and the unfolded version to class next week.

7. Come to class with your blog URL ready to share.

PAPERCRAFT CHEAT SHEET (useful commands for this assignment)

Assignment: Surface Model v.1
Assigned: Thursday, January 15
Due: Wedneday, January 21 @ 12:00PM (noon!)

Assignment Description:
Building on the paper prototypes created in class, students will translate their physical forms into a digital surface model in Rhino. This assignment emphasizes observation, measurement, and the translation of hand-made geometry into precise digital surfaces. Students will document both the physical prototype and the resulting Rhino model on their process blog.

Assignment Requirements:

1. Using your paper prototype created in class, construct a surface-based 3D model of the form in Rhino.

2. The digital model should clearly reflect the proportions, surface logic, and construction of the physical prototype.

3. Document both the physical paper prototype and the Rhino surface model with clear images / screenshots.

4. Create a new post on your process blog that includes:

   • Photographs of the paper prototype

   • Screenshots of the Rhino model (multiple views encouraged)

   • A brief written description of your process and challenges (as needed).

5. Bring your paper prototype and your Rhino file with you to class next week.
   
   

Assignment: Unfold + Laser-Ready Template
Assigned: Thursday, January 22
Due: Wedneday, January 28 @ 12:00PM (noon!)

Assignment Description:

Students will deconstruct and unfold their digital surface models in Rhino to produce a flat, two-dimensional cutting template. The unfolded geometry will be prepared specifically for laser cutting by introducing a controlled kerf offset. This assignment focuses on translating digital geometry into fabrication-ready drawings and anticipating material behavior. Templates will be laser cut in artboard during the following class as a means to test and visualize each design.

Assignment Requirements:

1. Unfold or deconstruct your Rhino surface model into a 2D flat layout suitable for laser cutting (using Rotate3D, UnrollSrf, Smash, or a combination of those commands).

2. Prepare a clean, organized cutting template using only planar curves.

3. Because the laser cutter has no kerf, offset all cut lines by 0.5 mm per side to produce a total 1 mm kerf.

4. Verify that all geometry is properly aligned, non-overlapping, and ready for export.

5. Export your final template in a laser-ready format (as specified in class and on the OBDF Laser Cutter Documentation on Studio A-Z).

6. Create a new process blog post that includes:

   • Screenshots of the unfolded geometry in Rhino

   • The final 2D cutting layout

   • A brief explanation of your experience of this process

   • A 3D Render of your object (in its constructed form)

7. Bring your Rhino file and exported template to class next week.
   
   

Note:
During the next class session, we will laser cut all student templates in artboard to test fit, assembly, and overall form.

Assignment: Laser Cut Reflection + Waterjet Preparation
Assigned: Thusday, January 29
Due: Wednesday, February 4 @ class start

Assignment Description:

Following the in-class laser cutting session, students will reflect on their laser cut prototypes and document what was learned through fabrication and assembly. Students will then revise and prepare their final design for waterjet cutting, and book a fabrication appointment through the Object Design page on Studio A–Z (SharePoint). This assignment emphasizes iteration, material-aware design, and transitioning from rapid prototyping to final fabrication.

Assignment Requirements:

1. Create a new post on your process blog documenting your laser cut prototype.
   
   

2. Include clear photographs of the assembled prototype and any notable details or failures.
   
   

3. Write a short reflection addressing what worked, what did not, and what you learned from the laser cutting and assembly process.
   
   

4. Revise your design in Rhino based on what you learned from the laser cut prototype.
   
   

5. Prepare a final, waterjet-ready 2D file according to the specifications discussed in class.
   
   

6. Come to class with:

   • Your updated Rhino file

   • Your waterjet-ready export

Waterjet CAM Software (browser based):
WazerCam

Assignment: Waterjet Cutting
Assigned: Thursday, February 5
Due: Wednesday, March 4 @ 12:00 PM  (noon)

Assignment Description:
Students will finalize and fabricate their projects using the waterjet cutter. G-code setup will be reviewed in class today. Students must sign up for a waterjet cutting appointment during class and complete their cuts by the deadline. A final blog post documenting the waterjet cut is required.

Assignment Requirements:

1. Sign up today in class for a waterjet cutting appointment.

2. Set up and verify your waterjet toolpaths and G-code (covered in class).

3. Complete your waterjet cut by the deadline.

4. Create a final process blog post documenting:

   • The waterjet cutting process

   • The completed cut parts

   • Any issues, adjustments, or observations from the fabrication

5. Ensure both the cut and the blog post are completed by Wednesday, March 4 at noon.

Waterjet CAM Software (browser based):
WazerCam

Waterjet Appointment Booking
Upload your .WZR file here.

Book your appointment here.

Waterjet Simulator (grasshopper definition)

Assignment: CLOCK DESIGN: CONCEPT GENERATION
Assigned: Thursday, February 5
Due: Wednesday, February 11 @ 12:00 PM (noon)

Assignment Description:
Students will begin a new project by brainstorming clock designs based on an off-the-shelf clock movement kit. In class today, the components of the clock movement will be modeled to specification. Next week, students will move into rough prototyping and early 3D concept models. Final clocks will be produced using a combination of FDM 3D printing, resin 3D printing, and laser cutting. For this assignment, the focus is on generating and documenting multiple design ideas rather than resolving a single final form.

Assignment Requirements:

1. Develop 6–8 distinct clock concepts based on the provided clock movement kit.

2. Concepts should be represented as rough sketches (hand-drawn or digital).

3. Each concept should consider how the clock movement, hands, and mounting will be integrated.

4. Concepts should also consider which fabrication methods (FDM printing, resin printing, laser cutting, or combinations) could be used to produce the design.

5. Create a new post on your process blog that includes:

   • Images of all 6–8 concept sketches

   • Brief written notes describing the idea behind each concept

Concept Prompts (Use as Starting Points):

• What if the clock doesn’t look like a clock at first glance?

• How might time be read indirectly (shadows, gaps, rotation, alignment, accumulation)?

• What happens if the clock is designed around absence instead of form (cutouts, voids, negative space)?

• Could the clock be assembled from multiple parts that each play a role in reading time?

• How could the clock take advantage of the specific strengths or limitations of laser cutting or 3D printing?

• What if the clock emphasizes process or motion over legibility?

• Could the clock change character depending on viewpoint, lighting, or distance?
  
  

In-Class Note:
Come to next class prepared to discuss your concepts and select one direction to develop further.

Assignment: Clock Fabrication Plan + Design Diagram
Assigned: Thursday, Feb 12
Due: Wednesday, Feb 25 @ 12:00 PM (noon)

Assignment Description:
Before moving further into digital modeling, students will develop a clear fabrication plan for their clock design. This assignment focuses on intentional decision-making: materials, components, fabrication methods, and assembly strategy must be determined in advance. Students will produce a refined sketch or diagram that communicates how the clock will be constructed and how each part will be produced.

Assignment Requirements:

1. Produce a refined design sketch or diagram of your selected clock concept (more resolved than your brainstorming sketches).

2. Clearly identify and label:

   • All major components of the clock

   • The clock movement and how it mounts

   • Any off-the-shelf components being used (including hardware, i.e. nuts, bolts, screws)
     
     

3. Determine and document:

   • Which components will be laser cut

   • Which components will be FDM 3D printed

   • Which components (if any) will be resin printed
     
     

4. For all laser cut components, specify the exact material and thickness you intend to use.
   
   

5. Briefly describe your anticipated assembly strategy (how parts connect, stack, fasten, slot, glue, etc.).
   
   

6. Create a new process blog post that includes:
   
   

   • Your refined sketch/diagram (clearly labeled)

   • A written breakdown of materials, processes, and components

   • Any open questions or technical uncertainties
     
     

Goal:
You should leave this assignment with a clear fabrication roadmap. Modeling next class should feel like executing a plan — not inventing one.

Assignment: Clock Fabrication Plan + Design Diagram
Assigned: Thursday, March 5
Due: Thursday, April 2 @ class start  (final class period!)

Assignment Description:

This final blog post will document the full development and production of your clock project from concept to completion. The goal of this post is to clearly communicate your design process, including conceptual development, digital modeling, fabrication, and final assembly. Your documentation should show how your initial ideas evolved into a finished object and reflect on the decisions and challenges encountered throughout the project. 

Assignment Requirements:

Create a final process blog post documenting the complete development of your clock project.

Include images and descriptions covering the following stages of the project:

• Conceptualization: brainstorming sketches, diagrams, and early design thinking
  
  

• Digital modeling: screenshots and/or rendered views of your Rhino model
  
  

• Fabrication: images of laser cutting, FDM printing, resin printing, or other fabrication processes used
  
  

• Assembly: photographs showing the process of assembling your clock
  
  

Include clear photographs of the completed clock from multiple angles.

Write a brief reflection describing:

• What worked well in your design
  
  

• What challenges you encountered during fabrication or assembly
  
  

• What you might change if you were to produce another iteration of the clock
  
  

Ensure your post clearly communicates both the process and the final result of your project.