Digital Prototyping

Laser cutting + Biomaterials

As our first challenge, we had to combine these two things. With Anthuanet, we aimed to develop wearables—pieces that you can attach to your face and explore from that perspective.

Miro board here :)

The Process

Recepies

As we were searching for a sticky material, we decided to work with gelatin. We explored about four variations, including cornstarch, soap, spirulina, and carbon.

Shapes

To achieve our final results in terms of shape, we employed two different processes. In one method, we laser cut acrylic into the desired shapes and utilized them as molds. However, this approach resulted in excess material along the borders and a slight degree of shrinkage. In the second process, we prepared a sheet of biomaterials with acrylic and then laser cut it. This method led to a few more bubbles during the process, an uneven finish, and a thinner outcome compared to the molds.

Laser cutting the biomaterial sheet didn't yield the best results for the borders due to unevenness caused by calibration issues. This resulted in a slight overburn of the biomaterial along the edges. However, the imperfections were not very noticeable, and the final result was still very pleasing.

Other explorations

We also conducted additional exploration with other materials, such as agar agar, but encountered difficulties as it broke. Additionally, we experimented with germinated chia seeds and lentils, but they dried out afterwards.

Clay printing + Living materials

For this challenge, we were presented with the option to either utilize clay printing, using either clay or biomaterial, or to 3D print a mold and apply living material onto it.

We ended up 3D clay printing a small coffee cup using Grasshopper. Additionally, we created a small donut shape using 3D printing and filled it with mycelium.

Start now

Micro challenge I - Trash Project

Challenge of working with plastic waste using Precious Plastic machines, thermoforming, machine press, laser, and 3D printing

Reflections

This was a fun exploration, as I was eager to work with the precious plastic machines, learn from the process, and explore the limitations and opportunities from a product design point of view. It's challenging to work with waste materials, but achieving a valuable material opportunity makes it all the more rewarding.

See the full project here :)

Micro challenge II - Kinetic Sculpture

Challenge of a project that involved artificial intelligence, electronics, manufacturing, and digital fabrication. The final result was a kinetic sculpture that moved in response to the current wave conditions in Barcelona.

REFLECTIONS

Even though we wanted to do another type of project in the beginning, closer to our interests, we had to change the project to fulfill the mandatory tasks. We ended up with a project that, due to its difficulty, we couldn't complete the tasks either. It was disappointing to change from a project I was super excited about to another one where I still couldn't achieve the purpose of the change in the first place. I would have preferred to do my original project

See the full project here :)

Reflections

Learning as doing

Practice makes perfect; these experiences greatly help in gaining confidence with the machines and understanding the processes according to their opportunities and limitations. Working with waste is a creative challenge based on the limitations of the material..

Microchallenge III

Challenge combining sensors and visuals.

Reflections

Since this challenge came towards the end of the master's program, it was difficult to link it directly to my personal project. However, it still connected with my personal interests, making it a fun and valuable learning experience. In the future, I would like to delve into touch design.

Git repo here