some basic suggestion tu prepare a file to be lasercut or 3D printed. - how to pass from a 3D volume to lasercut pieces - how to optimase and set the file properly - how to export the file

1. How to make an architectural model in a
Fablab

2. WHAT’S A FABLAB
A Fab Lab (fabrication laboratory) is a small-scale workshop offering digital
fabrication. It is generally equipped with an array of flexible computer
controlled tools that cover several different length scales and various
materials, with the aim to make "almost anything". This includes
technology-enabled products generally perceived as limited to mass
production.
(Wikipedia.com)
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

3. FabLab in Amsterdam
Neil Gershenfeld, the «father» of FabLabs
Valentina Kofi and her first PCB
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

4. FABLAB AND
ARCHITECTURE
3 axis CNC
Solar House at IAAC
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

5. FABLAB TORINO
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

6. -
Understand the
machines potentiality
-
Develop the project to
OBJECTIVES
be done with the
OF TODAY machines
-
Realize the prototype
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

7. LASER
Laser cut works by directing the
output of a high-power laser, by
computer, at the material to be
cut. The material then either
melts, burns, vaporizes away, or
is blown away by a jet of gas,
leaving an edge with a high-
quality surface finish.
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

8. MATERIALS
It’s possible to cut:
●
plexiglass (max 5mm)
●
WoodPlywood (max 6mm)
●
cardboard
●
rubber
●
etc.
It’s not possible to cut:
●
PC
●
PVC
●
Glass
●
Metal
●
Too thick material, even if it’s
foam (i.e. PS)
WE WILL MAINLY USE
3MM PLYWOOD
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

9. DESIGN
-
Draw unit is mm
-
Draw a reference rectangle of
600x450 mm
-
Place the pieces inside a central
area of 590x440
-
Design joints and notches
-
Place small pieces (less than
15x15) in the top area
-
With Autocad, move the sheet in
the origin (0,0)
-
Check that everything is at the
same Z level
-
Delete double lines
-
Explode everything in simple
vectors (text, blocks, etc.)
-
Divide vectors in four layers: cut,
engrave, dotted lines, reference
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

10. DESIGN JOINTS
AND NOTCHES
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

11. DESIGN JOINTS
AND NOTCHES
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

12. DESIGN JOINTS
AND NOTCHES
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

13. “T” JOINTS
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

14. “T” JOINTS
WITH
NUTS
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

15. “T” JOINTS
WITH
NUTS
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

16. SYMMETRY
vs
ASYMMETRY
Design pieces perfectly
symmetrical or strongly
asymmetrical
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

17. SNAPFITS
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

18. REMOVE DOUBLE
LINES
If you move different pieces
close one to another please
check for double lines.
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

19. MOVE TO 0,0
- select everything (Ctrl + A)
- move from the bottom-left
corner to 0,0
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

20. CHECK Z LEVEL
- check front / right / prospective
views
- eventually project everything on
Top plane
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

21. EXPLODE TO
POLYLINES
To double check try to pick
and move a control point
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

22. HOW TO EXPORT THE FILE
BEFORE PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK
- no hidden object
- no texture, no blocks, no texts (everything converted in polylines)
- no double lines
- no different Z levels
EXPORT
- dxf 2004 “natural”
- a multiple boards file is allowed
- pdf (if you have just cut lines)
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

23. MAKERBOT
Material
Extruder (Z axis)
Working platform
(X, Y axis)
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

24. A RANGE OF
COLORS AND
MATERIALS
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

25. MINIMUM
THICKNESS
0,5 mm
0,75 mm
1 mm
1,25 mm
1,5 mm
1,75 mm
2 mm
2,25 mm
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

26. UNDERCUTS
Small
Supported by the
structure
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

27. Extreme
Undercuts
Possibile up to 45°
Not possible over 45°
Joint line between
layers
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

28. HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

29. Unsupported
structures
Unsupported plane
Unsupported border
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

30. Resolution
Don’t try to print too thin
and complex details. The
machine approximates
everything is too detailed.
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

31. Upside-down
print
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

32. 3D PRINTERS
Small undercut
Rough finishing
Open walls between 1mm and 2mm thickness
Working area: 190x190x190mm
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

33. FILES EXPORT
Close Stl (medium resolution)
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB

34. CONTACTS
enrico@fablabtorino.org
HOW TO MAKE AN ARCHITECTURAL MODEL IN A FABLAB