Final Project¶
For my final project at the Fablab, I created a laser-cut cube nightlight with heart cutouts, incorporating the skills and knowledge I gained throughout the 10 weeks. Here are the steps I followed:
- Conceptualizing the Design:
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I began by brainstorming ideas for the nightlight, settling on a cube shape with heart cutouts to create a warm pink glow.
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Sketching and Planning:
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I sketched the dimensions and design features of the nightlight, planning the placement and size of the heart cutouts.
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Creating the Digital Design:
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Using Autocad, I translated my sketches into a detailed digital design. This involved precisely measuring and placing each heart cutout to ensure a balanced and aesthetically pleasing layout.
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Laser Cutting the Components:
- I used the laser cutter to cut the pieces of the cube, drawing on the techniques I learned in Week 4. This included setting the correct parameters for the laser cutter and ensuring the cuts were clean and accurate.
- Assembling the Cube:
- After cutting all the pieces, I assembled the cube, carefully fitting the joints together. My prior experience with testing joints and fitting pieces from earlier projects was crucial in ensuring a seamless assembly.
- Wiring the LED Lights:
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I wired LED lights inside the cube, using the embedded programming skills from Week 6 to create a consistent and gentle lighting effect. The wiring and programming ensured the LEDs would illuminate the heart cutouts effectively.
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Adding Finishing Touches:
- I added any final touches to the nightlight, such as sanding the edges for a smooth finish and testing the overall functionality to ensure everything worked perfectly.
- Final Presentation:
- I presented my completed nightlight, showcasing how I used various skills learned throughout the Fablab program, including digital design, laser cutting, joint fitting, and embedded programming.
This project allowed me to integrate everything I had learned over the 10 weeks, resulting in a and functional nightlight that highlights the power of combining creativity with technical skills.