Technology Utilization
Product design and construction has evolved to be a fast and extremely precise process. With the advancements in computers we are able to create parts that are as exact as our digital designs can generate. The main tool we at the Wood Enterprise Institute utilize for digital fabrication is the Computer Numerically Controlled Router, or more generally known as CNC. This tool consists of a router that is mounted to a series of motorized axis’ that allow it to move up, down, left, right, forward and backward. The movement it follows is based on a computer model produced through software that allows us to set the depth of cut, the route the machine takes, and the speed of both movement and router rpm.
There are two main processes that we utilize the CNC for; surfacing of the slabs and shaping of the legs.
We are now beginning the production of the legs using the AutoCAD file. There are a lot of minor details that can affect the efficiency of this process. We found that some programs, like the popular free software Sketchup, does not transfer seamlessly and forces our team to spend more time in the programming stage. Once we figured out that AutoCAD is our best option, the process became streamlined and we were ready to churn out some legs. Compared to a laborer, the CNC produces more exact components in a fraction of the time and we are extremely fortunate at WEI to have access to this machinery. The only concern is…when do the robots rise up and take total control?!
