“Biomimicry” CNC Minimaze
Design Objective
Prompt: Using a 2x2x0.5” block of aluminum, design and CNC a minimaze using the prompt:
“The Future As You See It”
Goals: This was my first project designing for and operating a CNC. This was an introductory project that utilized 2.5-d toolpaths and focused on CAD and CAM for efficiency and standard tool sizes
Process Story
I explored a number of themes and landed on a few key concepts:
Branches, Interface of Nature and Technology, and Transitions
Design Decisions
Key Choices:
Avoid Internal Corners while still keeping “Sharp” angles for digital effect
Call attention to nature/digital contrast with depth
Reduce pocket depth and use 1/8” FEM to reduce machining time
Final Design
Overall the design turned out as well as expected and needed minimal post-machining. I included 11 bearings in the maze, establishing the challenge of getting a bearing in each tree node
Skills Learned
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This project taught me how to transition from CAD to CAM. I learned to design with tool paths and operation time in mind. Learning to properly simulate operations helped to ensure smooth and predictable operation.
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I operated the HAAS CNC for the first time during this project. During this process I learned about tool setup, work coordinate setting, stock preparation, and machine time management
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This project was constrained to a small space and my design originally had more fine details. I had to edit my final CAD design to allow for standard tool sizes that were available in the Product Realization Lab