Assignment 2: Parametric Modelling with Grasshopper

Modelling

For this assignment, I began by rewatching the class tutorial of Grasshopper and getting comfortable with the software. After recreating what Prof. Nadya has produced, I was excited to take those steps and continue customizing my shape. I began with the basic gear-type shape from the tutorial.

With additional maths, I adapted the angle at which the notches were extending. This resulted in a blade like shape.

Then I duplicated the same shape, only smaller and reversed, and added it to the center of the original shape

One issue I ran into was not being able to immediately extrude my shape. With TA's help, I found that I need to flatten ꜜ my "Join Curves" modules close to the end of the model so they're a solid shape, not a series of lines.

LaserCutting

Once the file looked as intended, I exported to Adobe Illustrator. I learned that exports from Rhino include both the baked and non-baked items, so I had to erase my non-baked.

After this, I adjusted my stroke to 0.001, and did some test prints on heavy-duty 4cm cardboard. Afterthe default settings of 50 power failed to cut properly, we adjusted up to 65, whcih cut through without issue. This lead to the following finalized shape.

The machine broke as I was using, so I was unable to print more than 3, but plan to return later this week to the mill to print the rest.

Rhino and Grasshopper Source Files