- Stefano Galbo
Beginner
What tasks have been completed and what remain?
Fortunately during the Academy I was able to complete many assignments useful for my final project, so the structure that represents the hell (laser cutting) and all the electronic parts (input, output, networking) are ready.
One Lucifero's wing is ready (composites), I just need to make the second one.
Probably I have to change the mold that represents the sinners' hands (molding and casting), because it is too small and the result hasn't satisfied me.
Last but not the least: Lucifero! I downloaded this model and started to modify it, in order to 3D print it.
First I reduced mesh number by about 60 % with Rhinoceros: I lost few details but printing will be very faster.
Then I cut the tail in order to make it more little: it might seem easy, but it was difficult to align two cut parts. I drew a truncated mesh cone between them, I switched to Netfabb and I modified forms mesh by mesh: surely there would be a faster method, but I don't know it so I will continue with my little knowledge.
Because of Lucifero description, I needed to add two lateral faces on his head, so I went back to Thingiverse and I choose this one.
Finally, the hardest question: how will I print this object that is just a surface at the moment? Could I make it empty inside in order to put electronic part?
I found a solution, "Offset Mesh": this command creates an identical object a little smaller (you could set the distance), just remember to check "Solid" option, so your object will become a "waterproof" solid, ready to print.
At the end of all these steps, I have my Lucifero to print (here, file)! I still have to upload my file to Cura, and print it; finally I will assemble all the parts of my final project.
What has worked? What hasn't?
My final project is very simple, and (usually) simple things work .
The only part that I haven't solved yet is Peltier cell: I had no time to buy it on web, so I bought it in a local shop, where there was only the 12 volts type (instead of 5 volts of my electronics).
I have two possible solution: the first one is to buy a DC converter, which changes voltage as you want, but I know that it costs 25 € more or less, I would like to find a cheaper way.
The second one is a third board with a mosfet, I talked about it with my instructor Stefano Paradiso, but I haven't any knowledge of this component, so I will have to learn something more.
What have you learned?
I have learned 2 principal concepts:
Digital fabrication
As I like to repeat often, before Fab Academy I have never made anything through digital fabrication, so I have learned all you can see during my course: I have learned to draw in Rhinocheros, to 3d print, to laser cut, to draw and produce electronic boards, to produce composites or molded and casted objects.
Ok, I'm not a Ninja...but I'm quite satisfied!
Don't wait the last minute
Because of my delays, I had to buy all the electronic components in local shops (instead of web) and I spent very much more! For example, a fan costed 8 € (instead of 5 €), Peltier cell costed 15 € (instead of 6 €)...if I had time to wait delivery, I would spent much less.
Moreover, if you have little time to do many things, these things will be made in a bad way. For example, I would have developed more electronics, or an interaction between my model and the PC...let's see in the future!