Page 279 - Making things move_ DIY mechanisms for inventors, hobbyists, and artists

256 Making Things Move

aterials, components, and general fastening techniques were covered in earlier
Mchapters. Here, we cover how to actually make something or get someone else
(or a machine) to make it for you.

The process starts with a design—whether it’s a napkin sketch or a full 3D computer-
generated assembly model. From there, some projects can be made by hand by
sawing wood or putting together off-the-shelf components. Other projects lend
themselves to modern rapid prototyping techniques that use digital files directly,
including 3D printing and laser cutting. And some projects are suited to machining or
other manufacturing techniques. Then you need to put everything together. Finally,
since you don’t really make a sound unless someone is around to hear it, the last step
in any creation is sharing it. This might inspire someone else to attempt a version of
your idea, therefore restarting the cycle.

The Making Things Move Ecosystem

Each phase in the “making things” cycle has methods you can do by hand (analog)
and useful ways to use computerized machines and software to help (digital). We’ll
call this the making things move ecosystem. As shown in Figure 9-1, the phases of
this ecosystem are creation, translation, fabrication, integration, and proliferation.

NOTE This chapter is inspired by and heavily based on Dominic Muren’s
Dorkbot Seattle talk on The Digifab Ecosystem. See the original slides and
video at www.humblefacture.com/2010/02/dorkbot-talk-digifab-ecosystem
.html.

The phases in this ecosystem are organized in the same way you would go through
the steps in real life. However, it helps to have the method of fabrication in mind
when initially designing a part or mechanism—a practice called design for manufacture
by the pros. So, it may be helpful to skim through this chapter once before digging
into a new project.