Personal Experience with 3D Printing
The Lessons Learned
The Lessons Learned
3D Printing Background
Rapid prototyping began as early as 1992. A stereo-lithographic apparatus machine (SLA). This technology has continued to develop throughout the decade, enabling seemingly impossible circumstances a reality. There are many types of 3D printers that range in price from $100 to if you have to ask, then you can't afford it. The most common type of 3D printer you can find on campus is Makerbot, which uses a reel of a plastic (PLA). The design possibilities are endless.
That leads to another great question, just because it CAN be printed, should it be?
That leads to another great question, just because it CAN be printed, should it be?
Personal Experience with 3D Printing
A team of two, myself and a classmate, designed a parametric wall to metaphorically represent the climate in Texas during the years 1970, 1980, 2006, and 2007. We would construct a hollow core door to a dolly and then build a grid with a series of dowel rods at varying lengths, then attach a series of 3D printed nodes to the end to seal the corners of recycled cardboard pieces we laser cut into varied sized triangles. Excuse the run on, but the final product should have looked like a black sleek wall. My team printed nodes for my project on three attempts. The first set, were much too small. We learned that in order to take a 3D model, in any given software program capable of exporting into an .stl file, you have to apply a mesh to it, so the printer will recognize it as a solid. We then decided to go ahead and outsource the second print to the EIC. Given that they are engineers, they are surely they will get it right on the first try, and they did. We also gave ITS a second chance, and they got it right too.
The Lessons Learned
Through this project, I learned how to apply a pattern to a parametric surface using Revit software.
I conceptualized the building process, and how the 3D printed nodes would attach to each of the dowel rods. However, more of the lessons I learned derived from mistakes-which should be of no surprise. As of now, we have two correct batches of prints, but none of them are labeled. Because each node is different, not labeled, it is an absolute headache to assemble. Going forward, I would assume the role of project manager, and demand more communication, and responsibility in my team. I would label everything to a point where it would appear redundant, maybe write an instruction manual on how to assemble a wall. This way, an outsider would be able to come in, and be able to assemble the wall without having to know everything about the project. I would even consider printing modular pieces for another application, such as a sun shade for the exterior of a building.
The Lessons Learned
Through this project, I learned how to apply a pattern to a parametric surface using Revit software.
I conceptualized the building process, and how the 3D printed nodes would attach to each of the dowel rods. However, more of the lessons I learned derived from mistakes-which should be of no surprise. As of now, we have two correct batches of prints, but none of them are labeled. Because each node is different, not labeled, it is an absolute headache to assemble. Going forward, I would assume the role of project manager, and demand more communication, and responsibility in my team. I would label everything to a point where it would appear redundant, maybe write an instruction manual on how to assemble a wall. This way, an outsider would be able to come in, and be able to assemble the wall without having to know everything about the project. I would even consider printing modular pieces for another application, such as a sun shade for the exterior of a building.
No comments:
Post a Comment