Contouring valchromat

Akhil Kapadia — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 23:38:06 +0000

The concept behind the project was to exploit the 3 layer property of the valchromat panel, as well as to understand the tools being given and achieve an effect using the tool to our advantage. We wanted to do something which would take a lot of time to model in rhino but because of the rhinocam simulation would create a greater effect in a shorter time. We were inspired by the forms of layered rock and started analyzing how we could achieve a contoured layered effect whilst exposing the different coloured layers.

The modelling in rhino was done using the ‘heightfield from image command’. Some scaling and mirroring was required to fit in the model in the given constraints of 595 x 395 x 24 mm. The tool used was a 10mm diameter flat end tool. The stepover and offset controls were tweaked and played with in order for us to achieve the layered effect that we desired.

Considerations that we made for the material were that it might be fibrous and brittle inside so we were depending on the tool to be sharp and precise. This was not so and therefore our milled panel was a little hairy. We fixed this by finishing it with sandpaper.

We used only one milling strategy – horizontal roughing. We had no need for any kind of parallel finishing for the contoured layered effect that we wanted to achieve.

Project data:

Tool cutting speed: 20.32
Tool spindle speed: 6092 rpm
Milling time : 107 mins

IC.1 Digital Fabrication » contours

Contouring valchromat