Unitless Fabrication - Measurement in Digital Fabrication

The process of creating objects is continually changing, from handcrafting to mass production and, more recently, digital fabrication. Today, computer numerical controlled (CNC) machines relieve us of the time-consuming and tedious task of learning to use manual equipment. Furthermore, the exponential growth of digital fabrication labs (FabLabs, Makerspaces, and Hackerspaces) ensures that all individuals have access to technology such as laser cutters, CNC milling machines, and 3D printers. As a result, a new movement of makers was formed that create one-of-a-kind objects. However, creating objects remains challenging for makers due to the industry's emphasis on precise and interchangeable components. Moreover, measurement tools and workflows are developed for the purpose of producing things that conform to rigorous tolerances. Regrettably, many of these tools and workflows are too involved for (novice) makers. As a result, makers typically use measurement instruments found in the lab or at home to capture, evaluate, and reconstruct certain physical characteristics. This dissertation investigates the role of measurement in the context of makers using digital fabrication machines. We show that novel measurement techniques and tools streamline the process of creating (functional) objects. Thus, lowering the threshold for non-expert makers to design, fabricate, and assemble objects when using digital fabrication tools. This research describes three main contributions that facilitate measurements in the digital fabrication process. Each contribution introduces novel tools and techniques that assist makers with measurements. First, we present how to bridge the gap between the digital and real worlds using tangible modeling techniques. Second, we show how hand-held power tools can be used with the same precision as digital fabrication machines. Third, we present a method for avoiding measurements during assembly by creating functional objects that can be folded into a three-dimensional shape. We demonstrate how each contribution works by developing the system and validating its operation by creating proof-of-concept objects and presenting various use cases. We conclude this work by discussing the general implications of novel measurement techniques in digital fabrication.

Jaar van publicatie:2021

Toegankelijkheid:Closed