Synapse

In order to build the Synapse lamp out of resin,  the next step is to make a silicone mold for each resin part.  Some of the parts mirror each other, so the lamp requires 3 molds for the body. For the base, the decision whether it will be resin or different material is postponed for later. There are many different materials in the market for making a silicone mold. And each type of material will vary in application methods, drying time, consistency, and cost.  For this project, I experiment with two products from different suppliers, and I faced completely different cost, experience, and results. To my surprise,  the cheaper option (a 1/3 of the cost), despite the fact that it had an unpleasant odor, was easier to use and more successful. But I must take into consideration that my inexperience had something to do with it. So knowledge and experience matters.  Cenusil M385 FLEX,  RTV-2 silicone rubber and a set of gloves Also, for ...

There is a dual purpose for printing a 3D model. 1. Since he shape of the lamp is organic, the 3D print can provide the quickest, cheapest and most accurate  parts to test the final shape and size of the Synapse lamp 2. The parts will then be used to create a silicon mold for the final resin part. Step I: Making final design adjustments in Rhinos Software. After making a quick model from clay, testing some initial renderings, and researching and purchasing electrical parts, some adjustments are made to the final design: 1. Reduce the lamp bottom to 3 parts. So the final lamp will have 6 parts. 2. Increase the diameter volume of the lamp so it can fit the metal cord and all lighting components. Step II:  Preparing the 3D model in Rhinos before print 1. Divide each of the lamp resin parts into separate files. (a total of 6 Rhino files)  2. Prepare each file for conversion in Rhinos Check edges (command analysis - edge tools ...

Ban Mo Electric Market Bangkok Ban Mo is Bangkok's large electrical market that stretches over blocks of outdoor and indoor shops and stalls. It is situated right on the outskirts of  Bangkok China Town. ( see Map ) A trip to Ban Mo market is an experience to itself and one can get dizzy from the amount of products available, from any possible type electrical part and device to outdoor repair stalls and custom  order shops.  Luckily I was accompanied by my Thai friend who is a frequent visitor and knew which shop to select.   By the end of the trip, my shopping bag of consists of 710 baht of electrical components that I will try to use on the Synapse first prototype: 1. A ceiling hanging lamp. (60 Baht) I picked it for the flexible metal cord which I will cut out. 2. 12 volt LED bulb for the task light, warm white light (40 Baht) 3. LED strip circular plate 30mm for mood lighting, white light (100 Baht) 4. LED light strip, white light...

For making the quick model, I choose to experiment with 2 materials: 1. Foam 2. Clay Foam: The method I chose was to build up a pyramid of foam pieces and then carve out the shape. First I printed two different side views of the lamp in real scale 1:1.  Then, I cut each foam in smaller circles and glued them in a stack.  To make a model with foam it is best to use a high density foam. My first mistake was that the foam I bought had low density, so it was far from ideal to carve out shapes, especially organic and curved. My second mistake was using high solvent glue. (which was recommended to me at the supply shop). Not only  did the glue smell very strong, it also melted the foam. The pieces, didn't really glue together. In summary, it was a real mess. **See my next blog post , name: "Example of foam experimentation for model making" demonstrating a different, and more successful, way of using Foam, which was used in a p...