Fabricatable axis: an approach for modelling customized fabrication machines

Abstract

Digital fabrication tools such as 3D printers, computer-numerically controlled (CNC) milling machines, and laser cutters are becoming increasingly available, ranging from consumer to industrial versions. Recent studies have shown that users, ranging from researchers, to industry professionals, to hobbyists, are interested in modifying and changing the inherit workflows these tools provide. As an answer to this, these users are increasingly modifying and customizing their machines by changing the work envelope, adding different end-effectors, and creating their own fabrication workflows in software. However, customizing, modifying and creating digital fabrication machines and the workflows they provide require extensive knowledge within multiple different engineering domains and is non-trivial. In this article we present a model-driven approach that enables users to expand their digital fabrication scope by providing a high-level tool that facilitates the customization of fabrication tools. We present The Farbicatable Axis, a model that enables users to create customized linear actuators. The model takes high-level input parameters such as length and gearing-parameters, and outputs a CAD model of a linear motion axis consisting of fabricatable parts. We then present how instances of the Fabricatable Axis can be combined and used to design and implement Fabricatable Machines.