My progress has been frustratingly slow as I can’t find the technicians nor machinery that I want. However, as I work in a university, I’ve been speaking with a load of technicians at work this past few weeks to get some informal advice as to what is possible.
- In Engineering, they have some sheet metal tools. They have said I can use (for free!) their metal CNC cutter. This can cut sheet metal, so I could get a flat piece cut to size with fixture holes added. Unfortunately they dont have a press break, that could fold the metal. They do have some manual machinery that can bend metal but I would have to modify my idea to make this work. This is going to be something I pursue as it was my original idea and I have seen something similar made so I still want to strive towards finding a press break.
- In Product Design they have laser cutters that do thin wood and perspex. They also have a perspex hot bender, so I could use the laser to cut out the same shape i envisioned in metal, and use the bender to fold this myself. This is potentially going to be far easier. However, perspect next to glass will likely look odd given they are both translucent? This is going to be something I pursue to trial and see what the resultant aesthetic is, as it could be a great solution – cheap and easier to DIY.
- There are a few 3D printers around the uni all controlled by different departments. This could potentially work really well. I’ve seen a couple of videos on Instagram of people using 3D printers for fixtures to hold things onto walls that could potentailly work really well. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZZLlzVMxSN/ – this video is for a clock but i think the way it attaches to the wall and is double sided could work really well for my purpose.
The CNC router is however still evading me. I can’t find one anywhere that I can use. BUT it made me think- im only making prototypes, so why do I need a CNC to do that. I could use a regular router to cut the shape while I’m learning ideal mounts, patterns etc. So instead, I have bought a handheld router, jigsaw, router, table, PPE and consumables to try the idea first and see what I can get working by hand before continuing down that CNC route.
