Go Back Term3
In this module we did the design and development process of our custom spinning table, crafted with using CNC machining. This table features mechanism consisting of a spinning edge and bearings, allowing for smooth manual rotation.
The idea for the spinning table came from wanting to create a piece of furniture that’s both practical and fun to use. We envisioned it also working as a manual pottery wheel, so it had to look good and function well. We wanted it to be a centerpiece in any room (The class), catching attention by looking good. At the same time, we wanted the spinning feature to work smoothly, giving people an interactive experience. Whether used as a table or a pottery wheel, it needed to blend aesthetics with mechanics seamlessly. This way, it wouldn’t just be a piece of furniture but also something that adds a unique touch to any space.
CNC machining provided us with accuracy and an ability to produce intricate designs that we couldhave not achieved with laser cutting or 3d printing (Or they would've been more expensive). The process involved several stages:
CAD Modeling: Detailed CAD drawing were created to plan the machining process.
G-CODE making: Using the CAD drawing of every piece, a CNC program was written to guide the machining process.
Material measuring: Wood pieces provided were measured to make sure the tolerances determined on the CAD drawing were correct.
Machining: Components were machined setting up the g-code.
Assembly: Once all parts were machined, the assembly of all parts was made.
Take a look to the repository :
https://github.com/minnie-at-iaac/audio-reactive-thermal-printer/tree/main
Modules 4 and 5 was the opportunity to explore signal transmission and processing. so for the Modules 4 and 5, we made a thermal printer audio reactive.
Our goal was to keep on working with physical and tangible materials and phenomena, even when working with digital softwares as Pure Data.
Two applications run in parallel: a python script and a patch in Pure Data
The Pure Data code/patch reads audio input from the microphone. There are a few controllable parameters including one that sets the loudness threashold. When the threshold is reached, the program sends a tcp message with the estimated frequency/pitch of the sound (beforehand, there is a setup of opening and connecting to the tcp port)
The python script receives the tcp messages and triggers the thermal printer to print a lines relative to the received values.
I had always worked with audioreactive in 3D software such as unreal, blender, resolume, etc.
During this semester I have focused on escaping from digital in a certain way,
so it was interesting to see how can we make interfaces that connects with the real world with tangible objects.