Gear Grinder
Length: 4 weeks Topics Explored: product design, 3D CNC machining, anodizing For my final computer machining project at Stanford, I wanted to choose a product that would be challenge in a multitude of areas. An herb grinder was something that had been on my mind for awhile - its design space seemed well suited for both aesthetics and functionality. Though the piece underwent numerous edits and iterations, certain features such as teeth patterns and rotational operation were present from the earliest concept sketches. After initial brainstorming, Solidworks proved critical for exploring different form options before actually diving into the internal design. The final gear shape was chosen because it contains certain geometric complexity and at the same time suggests rotation. Because the grinder is made of three distinct parts each with two unique faces, programming the CAM software was a complex process. Each part required a part flip during machining and the misalignment risk during this operation partially drove the order of operations. In addition, tool lengths and diameters dictated the size of the tooth and notch design and depth and curvature of the storage compartment in the base. After both sides of the parts had been cut, they were removed from their stock, hand sanded, and sent out for anodizing - the critical step which would protect and color the aluminum, and make it food safe. The final operation was installing magnets in each part to hold the grinder together. |
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