Something very common in order to identify the restrictions of production is to design a model that presents technical benchmarks: overhang limit and curvature (see picture of studies below). I needed to test the limits of the machine, of the material and of the geometries. For instance, the collection of studies I decided to make had to follow a certain methodology. Part 1: Exploration), learning by doing was the best way for me to become familiar with my working environment. Turning Data into ObjectsĪs I mentioned in my previous article ( Beneath the Sea – a Multidisciplinary Journey. After all this, magic can finally happen. It can be connected to your computer via cables, WiFi or even bluetooth. The transmission process differs according to how the computer reads the data. After setting the right parameters, I sliced my object, exported the G-code to an SD card, and put the card in the machine’s computer. It can vary from rapid prototyping to objects in high resolution. The slicer I used, Cura Ultimaker, enabled me to choose the settings. The STL format digitally transforms the shape in digital layers and can be read by the slicer. Once the design was completed, I needed to export the geometry – usually as a closed volume or a mesh structure – in a file format called STL (stereolithography). You can modify various parameters to optimise the resolution of your design. The different colours in the model indicate the layer path of the printer. However, if you find yourself overwhelmed or get stuck, a huge community of users fortunately exists, whose members regularly post tutorials and sometimes add their own plug-in to help you refine your geometries.Ī glimpse into the process of slicing with the Ultimake Cura programme. Remembering all the tools and understanding their effects obviously takes considerable practice.
This offers a detailed online manual and video tutorials from basic introduction (such as: points, curves, surfaces, solids, mesh, vertices, edges, faces…) to complex structural drawings with parametric design.
The most effective way to learn to use the software was to look at their official website.
Although you have to buy the main programme, there is a broad open-source library related to Grasshopper and other plug-ins. The ITA ETHZ community recommended that I use the programme Rhino 6 and its plug-in* Grasshopper, because it can perform on two levels: 3D drawing and parametric design.
But the real challenge started when I began to learn how to create a 3D model.
After programming everything properly, I downloaded existing 3D models to quickly test the machine (you can find them on various free library platforms like sketchfab). limits of movement, material properties, production dimensions, the formats used, etc.). This involves being aware of the machine’s capacity and its restrictions (e.g. It was helpful to read the manual and online instructions attentively to choose the right settings in order to produce objects. I had the opportunity to use a clay printer called Micro 8 from the Californian provider 3D Potter.
In the case of a home-made robot, one can also write its own code using a programming language like Python. Usually called a “slicer”, the CAM produces a standardised language called G-Code, which instructs the motors of the machine, its arms and/or axis to move following a path with specific coordinates. Therefore the design or drawing needs to be converted to another format via a CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software. To read the data, the machine needs a specific programming language, which controls its functions.
The data is essentially the design, frequently a geometry created by CAD or AAD (computer- or algorithms-aided design) software. To perform its task, the machine requires data. This implies knowledge of which type of material and machine – a robot, a CNC (computer numerical control) machine or a 3D printer – will be used. To start with, one has to choose a type of manufacturing process. Let’s gain an overview of the digital fabrication workflow. Photo credit © Betty Fleck for ZHdKīut first things first. Visitors can interact directly with the archive, and access the documentation via the library network. It contains an extensive collection of raw materials and showcases a wide range of objects demonstrating both traditional and more innovative uses of the materials. A detailed view of the Material Archiv located at ZHdK in Zurich.