Hi everyone! We are Paradigma, a small design company from
Vaagen high school in Norway, Sandnes. We are a group of 5 people: Synnøve,
Elva, Christoffer and Anna. This is our blog about our previous
project: building a mechanical toy.
We got a task to make a mechanical toy, where we could use any
material we wanted for the actual toy. The materials we were supposed to
include in our mechanical toys were metal, something 3D printed and wood. All
of us used wood to make the box that frames the mechanical part. We gathered in
groups of 3-5. In groups we were supposed to choose the name of our little
designer company, a theme, target group and the purpose of our mechanical toy.
A mechanical toy is a toy that can perform a range of motion
depending on the mechanism used, from simple to complex. There are many
different types of mechanical toys that use their own types of mechanics. For
example, there are wind up toys driven by a clockwork motor, electrically
driven toys and then there are spring driven toys, like jack in the box. In
this task, we focused on the more simpler hand driven mechanics, using gears,
cranks and cams to achieve vertical and rotational movement, which was
important for what we wanted to achieve.
As a designer company inspired by the change in means of
transport, we wanted our target group to be mostly adults. Our toys should be
used for decoration, not for playing. The designer company is called Paradigma,
which means a huge change in mentality and lifestyle. We wanted a product that
was connected to our name. Finally, we chose different means of transport that
have changed the history for the better. We chose different means of transport:
boat, plane, hot air balloon, bicycle and train.
Some parts of these toys
were constructed using 3D-printed objects. The concept of 3D printing is a very
simple, and an easy way to make a 3D generated objects on a screen become real.
By the help of programs like Cura, and many other 3D modeling programs and
download simple designs or make your own.
It all starts with the
plastic of your choice (PLA, ABS etc.), which goes through an extruder[1] that heats up the plastic, melting it so it can be used to shape your
model. The plastic is then applied to the 3D platform by multiple horizontal
layers, which will then form the model. This is a long process that can take a
few hours, depending on how big the model is or how the model is being made.
Some models are made by having a structured filling, for example a honeycomb
shape which is a strong and stable stuffing for a model. This doesn’t take as
long as having a model with no cavity, which can take up to a day to print in
terms of the size.
Before we started this
project, only one of us had previous experience with 3D-printing. Christoffer
has been making models from 3D printing at home, making it easier for the whole
group to learn more about the concept. We understood the concept generally
well, but for many of us, the part where we began printing was a whole new
experience. We learned to operate and download different 3D programs, like
tinkercad, sculptris and Cura.
In addition to learning
about 3D printing, we learned to use our small to nonexistent knowledge on
mechanics to successfully make a functional moving decoration. We also learned
to combine different materials, making them work together within our individual
design as well as the group as a whole. We had a lot fun, working together,
planning our theme and use of materials, and helping each other out with our
individual designs. It was a rewarding learning experience.
[1] An extruder is the part of the 3D printer that heats up
the plastic and makes the model. It is the main part of all 3D printing.
Christoffer: For the individual part of the project, I decided to take my inspiration from planes. Since we decided that the theme should be transportation, the idea of making a plane could be a good concept, in terms of how useful it has been through decades. The plane was a pioneer in traveling, which was one of the reasons i chose it. I went for something classic: The old douglas DC 3. While planning the end result, I wanted to experiment with new materials. The idea was to make the plane as simple as possible, with less detail and more shape. So I decided to make the plane out of transparent plexiglas, making the model modern and simple. The idea was that you could see through the build, and what materials it was made of. I also integrated 3D printing into the project. I decided that the motors of the plane were the part that was going to be made out of plastic. I designed the engines by using tinkercad and a bit of fusion 360. Tinkercad was a very easy and simple program to use, but not so precise. Fusion 360 is a more professional program (in result, harder to use), but making the end result of the print perfect. But I ended up using Tinkercad, because it was much easier to use, and the interface is much more pleasing/work friendly. I enjoyed using Tinkercad, because it was easy, and I could put all the numbers and lengths I needed into the object.
Elva: In this task we were supposed to make a mechanical toy using simple mechanics to create motion. To decide on the theme of the toy, we were separated into groups. My group and I decided on the theme: means of transportation and I decided to make a hot air balloon that is driven by a bike. I was inspired by the steampunk subculture, especially with my choice of materials. I mostly used wood and metal, creating a distressed look to the toy, but we were also supposed to use at least on 3D printed object.
I decided to 3D print the bits of the
mechanical toy that would be difficult to make by hand, like some parts of the
wheels on the bike and the gears, that turn the bike. To make these, I used an
online free 3D modelling program called Tinkercad. It is a simple program, kind
of reminds you of building blocks, where you use already made shapes to build
up your structure. I liked this program especially because of its simplicity,
and it did the trick for what I needed to print. However, it would be limiting
when it comes to printing out organic looking structures or sculptures. That is
where Sculptris comes in.
Sculptris is a 3D modelling software, where
you sculpt with your mouse like you would with clay. To then print out these
sculptures, you would move them over to the Tinkercad program, and continue
like you would normally with Tinkercad. Tinkercad and Sculptris are the only
two 3D programs that I am familiar with, but I’m sure there are many more out
there that I have yet to explore. In addition to learn about these 3D programs,
I learned a lot about mechanics and design, and I am quit happy with the
finished product.
Synnøve: When my group decided to use means of transport as the theme for our toys, I wanted to build an old-fashioned train. For material, I wanted to use mostly wood, but use metal for details to give it an extra touch. As for my 3D-printing, I decided to print my wheels and gear, because cutting small gears of wood would be difficult. I used tinker cad to design my gear wheels. When we were introduced to tinker cad and sculptris, I liked sculptris the most because I found tinker cad difficult. However, tinker cad already had gear wheels, because of that I chose to use tinker cad for my project.
I have learned a lot about using and working with different materials. I have worked with wood before, but tiny iced lolly sticks were different than wood planks. In addition, working with metal was a new experience. I used metal from old soda cans, which was easy to shape, but hard to cut in. I have also learned a lot about 3D-printing, which I had no previous experience with at all.
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