Assignment: Blog Post: My First Definition

Assigned: Thursday, January 4

Due: Thursday, January 11 @ class start 

Assignment Description:

As an introduction to Grasshopper for Rhino, we will be following along with some introductory video tutorials.  Then, we'll create a blog post to share our designs.

Assignment Requirements:

1.) Follow along with these video tutorials in Grasshopper.

2.) Complete Tutorials 1 - 8

3.) Create a new blog post and upload screenshots of your creations.

4.) Create your own "riff" on the design covered in the tutorials:

      a.) Can you explore additional functions of the tools covered?

      b.) Can you connect the tools and processes from this tutorial to those covered in class?

5.) Write a brief reflection on your first experience in Grasshopper, and be sure to include any questions or technical issues you ran into.
6.) Post your Blog URL to the assignment section of the OBDF 310 Mosaic.

- - -

Examples from previous semesters:

https://sites.google.com/view/obdf310/post-of-the-week?authuser=0#h.5jbq1b2y7wk8

https://sites.google.com/view/w2022obdf310a/post-of-the-week?authuser=0#h.5jbq1b2y7wk8

Assignment: Parametric Structure & Animation

Assigned: Thursday, January 11

Due: Wednesday, January 17 @ noon (12pm)

Assignment Description:

Building upon your work from the Parametric Line Drawings, create an animation of your definition, showcasing how changing parameters over time affects the design. 

Assignment Requirements:

1.)  Based on demos and tools from class, create your own definition for a parametric structure.

2.)  Using 'Remap Numbers' objects, create a single slider that controls the root parameters of your definition.

3.)  Set up your view port to best showcase your design, and animate the slider. This will output a sequence of images.  (Set resolution to around 600x600 pixels)
(reminder: change ".bmp" to ".png" in the filename)

4.)  Upload the image sequence to https://ezgif.com/maker to create an animated GIF.

5.)  Include this GIF on a new post in your process blog.

6.)  Include, also, a reflection on any successes and/or challenges encountered with this process.

Assignment: MILESTONE PROJECT 1: Stacked Slices Model

Assigned: Thursday, January 18

Progress post due: Wednesday, January 25 @ noon (12pm)
Final post and model due:   Wednesday, January 31 @ noon (12pm)

Wednesday, February 14 @ noon (12pm)

Assignment Description:

Using grasshopper, we will create a stacked-slice model from a surface-based form. By taking contours from the form and extruding them, we will build a definition for a flexible model.  We will then fabricate these models from various materials using the laser cutter, and finally assemble them to recreate an approximation of the original form.

Assignment Requirements:

1.) Create a 3D surface-based form. Notes:

a.) this will work the best if it is fewer surfaces. The surface can be complex but avoid a polysurface of many seperate surfaces)

b.) This form can also be created in grasshopper, or modelled traditionally in Rhino, or a combination thereof

2.) Create a definition to "slice" the form into layers (using contour objects and extrude commands)

3.) Create an animation of the result, showcasing the parametric properties of your stacked-slice model.

4.) Derive 2D (curve-based) profiles from each cross section (for laser cutting) and nest them in preperation for cutting your selected material. (We will look at automating nesting next week so it is advised you wait on that step)

5.) Laser cut the sections of your model

6.) You can also include 3D printed components, but it should be structural/complimentary and not serve as the majority of the model

7.) Document this process on your blog.  This will count as TWO blog posts (alternatively

Schedule a laser cutting session in the Thing Tank:

https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/BookingsObjectDesign@auarts.ca/bookings/ 

Assignment: BLOG POST: Algorithmic Surface Modelling + Animation

Assigned: Thursday, January 24

Due: Wednesday, January 31 @ noon (12pm)

Assignment Description:

Using 'Section 5' of this reading as a guide, we will be creating definitions for generating algorithmic surface designs.  These definitions will utilize sub-surface panelling techniques in Grasshopper to tesselate curves, surfaces and/or solids around forms created in Rhino or Grasshopper.

Reading: Paneling with Surface Morph (p. 20)

Assignment Requirements:

1.) Model a surface(s) in Rhino or in Grasshopper

2.) Create a tile-able design to be panelled accross sub-surfaces in GH.

3.) Create a GH definition for tesselating your tile around a form.

4.) Create an animation from this definition.

5.) Document all of the above in a new post on your process blog.

Assignment: BLOG POST: Algorithmic Surface Model for SLA Printing

Assigned: Thursday, January 31

Due: Wednesday, February 6 @ noon (12pm)

Assignment Description:

Based on your experiments from the Algorithmic Surface Modelling + Animation assignment, create a model for SLA printing.  We will be working on this in class over the next two weeks, and will print during class time as well.  Each student is responsible for documenting and blogging the process.

Assignment Requirements:

1.) Refine/revise your algorithmic surface model to suit the PLA printing process. Take account of the limitations of this technology (scale, material, tree supports) whilst leveraging its affordances (detail, texture). Your model must fit within A 100x100x100 mm bounding box.

2.) Recount discussions in class with peers and instructor, and reflect on feedback in your post.

3.) Include at least 3 images from varying perspectives (renders) and be sure to include a reference of scale (another scale model of a recognizable object)

4.) Include a rotating GIF animation of your model's progress. 

4.) We will make final refinements and revisions in class next week.

5.) Include all of the above in a new post on your process blog.

You can download PREFORM, the Form 2 SLA Printer software here:
https://formlabs.com/software/preform/

Assignment: BLOG POST: CNC Mold Positive: Proposal

Assigned: Thursday, February 7

Due: Wednesday, February 13 @ noon (12pm)

Assignment Description:

We will be using our large (4x8 foot) CNC router to cut foam positives. Propose a project / experiment that will utilize this process, to either create a mold or a mold master. You will have the option to create a plaster mold, but you may decide to use some other process if you wish (in this case, you are responsible for sourcing the materials).

Assignment Requirements:

1.) Constraints (to consider in your proposal):

a.) We will be milling the forms from a closed-cell medium density foam

b.) Your form (if it is a two sided mold) must not exceed 5.5 inches in depth. 

   c.) Width and height are up to you, as we are working on a large format machine, but should be within reason

   d.) Keep in mind if you are creating a two part mold to consider undercuts and draft

2.) For your proposal, prepare the following:

a.) A description of your project, including materials (if applicable) and processes required to produce it

b.) Visuals to convey your idea (these must be original images, either drawn, modeled in rhino, mocked up in a material or a combination thereof

c.) Describe and/or illustrate the process of creating the CAD for this project. Rhino? Grasshopper? 

3.) Include all of the above in a new post on your process blog.

4.) Be aware that we will begin production on these projects on Thursday March 21st, so any 3D models must be ready to CNC cut at that time.

Assignment: BLOG POST: Milestone Projects

Assigned: Tuesday, March 28

Due: Tuesday, April4 @ class start  (final class)

Assignment Description:

Document all of the items below in a new post on your process blog. This blog post will be marked on professionalism and thoroughness - so be sure to include all of the required items, and be mindful of layout and organization. The completion of this blog post is mandatory.

Assignment Requirements:

Include all of the items  below, along with a caption for each image.

1.) My First Definition:

a.) Screenshot of definition

b.) Screenshot OR renders of model

2.) Parametric Structure & Animation

a.) Screenshot of definition

b.) animated gif (or video)

3.) Stacked Slices Model

a.) Screenshot of definition(s)

b.) Renders of digital model

c.) Photos of physical model

4.) Algorithmic Surface Model for SLA Printing

a.) Screenshot of definition

b.) Renders of Model

c.) animated gif (or video)

d.) Photos of physical model (sla print)

5.) CNC Machined Mold Positive / Negative

a.) Renders of Model

b.) Physical (foam) Model