Final Model

02.06.16

My final model completed with a working circuit. The circuit worked perfectly and despite some minor issues with soldering I had it connected up reasonably quickly. The switch component had really good tolerances and stayed in place as well as the LEDs which were held securely by the dividers I installed into each hole. The base design I chose to use was a variation of my preferred option where I cut the entire base in half. This meant I could have a symmetrical model and still slide the base over my installed circuit with ease.

Overall I'm really pleased with how the design came together. My pyramid shape was one of my first concepts but by continuing with this design I was able to almost perfect it. One of the strongest features of my design is the tolerances on the different connecting parts. This is something I struggled with in assignment 1 and it was satisfying to have all components of my model fit together securely with no additional fastening needed. The four LEDs operate exactly as intended with the tactile switch in the center of the base being pressed by the tip of the pyramid when upside down. The design really reflects my chosen piece of music and I look forward to showing it to some of the band members when I get the chance.

Final Design - 3D print + Lasercut

01.06.16

After printing my final design today I sanded back the surfaces with fine sandpaper then spray painted the entire model matt black. Because the black filament wasn't available to 3D print with this was the next best alternative and gave the model cleaner and sharper surfaces. Once the paint had dried I added in the lasercut components that I'd designed to fit into the model. I chose to leave these unpainted because the colours and textures complimented the rest of the model and helped the aesthetics to better fit in with my themes. I included two different options for the base of the design. Visually I prefer the 2nd option however I think I might have to settle for the alternative so that the circuitry is more easily installed.

Base option 1

Base option 2

Final Design - Rhino

31.05.16

This is the Rhino model for what I intend to be my final design. I added in some dividers down the holes where the LEDs will now sit in place. I also chose to print the base with shortened connecting parts to help make assembly of the final with circuitry easier. Overall I'm really pleased with how the design has progressed and taken shape and look forward to having a functional physical model completed.

Lasercut/3D Printing Combination

31.05.16

I designed some laser cuts to be incorporated into different 3D prints and determine how the materials interact. The lasercuts for the 7 sided polygon were unsuccessful, my measurements were off somewhere which affected tolerances when trying to piece the designs together. The MDF incorporated with the back pyramid looks really effective. The 'Tunes Of I' panel fits perfectly into the top and the mesh designs looked great on the sides. I also experimented with clear acrylic against the black print as well as some 3D printed mesh to resemble a speaker but feel that the MDF has a better contrast and effect. I had initially planned to paint all components of this music player black to emphasize the designs function but am reconsidering after seeing the wood against the black material.

Pyramid with Base

30.05.16

This is my prototype of the complete design put together. Due to some tolerance issues with different prints the design was pieced together most accurately by using components from each one. Although this design is not functional it helped to give me an idea of scale and what the final shape will look like. I'm happy with how the seperate parts come together into a complete design and think that this model (when completed and lit up) will reflect my chosen piece of music and show a clear influence from my moodboards and earlier sketches.

Pyramid Revised - Print

30.05.16

I decided to continue the pyramid design and develop it into a final model. This print was unsuccessful as one of the corners on the base lifted during the print. After some troubleshooting we determined that it was the printer as other students had similar issues when using it. Outside of that issue the print came out really well, I particularly like the black filament for this design and it has the aesthetic quality I was hoping to achieve. The tolerances were less successful than my first print of this design which I think is to do with the print settings in Cura. Some changes that I made were minor details including a button layout on the underside of the top and some holes in the base where the circuitry can go through to light the model. Another issue I faced was that the holes I included for my 3mm LEDs were slightly too big and the lights slipped back through, to remedy this I plan to include a divider so that the LED sits in place and each prong can go down either side of the hole to connect to the rest of the circuit.

Pyramid Revised - Rhino

27.05.16

I redesigned the pyramid shape in Rhino to print again. This time I included circular holes for the LED lights to come through as well as a square hole in the center to hold my switch. I also made the base of the top component with some detailing to resemble that of a control panel, I will look into how I can include some lasercut materials as part of this later in the process.