What is my purpose? Directly from this question Affinity Space looks to answer with these fast, funny, and crazy projects solutions.


For us, a 3D butter is a project to apply a new or complex digital technology into objects whose sole purpose is to be a support.


We perceive a 3D butter as a design exploration to apply design processes like generative design, topological optimization, and free modeling with pipes.


Inside AS workflow, digital fabrication is one of the most critical phases and when it's possible we like to do it in the funkiest way.


We like to create crazy cases and support for our electronics components to try these new digital techniques and generate organic results.
 3D BUTTER
FAST EXERCISES First, we are exploring generative design workflows. This kind of iterative design process can generate different types of outputs based on the constraints and initial specifications. The results are again evaluated and in case that they don't satisfy our requirements, we continue to iterate until obtaining the desired result.


Second, we develop a more freeform workflow by creating a synthesis of the initial volume, and following the basis on esthetical and critical points, we continue iterating until the creation of a final shape, this result can be produced, optimized, or analyzed accordingly with the final scope of the part.

 The image on the left shows the 3D butter designed to support a Raspberry Pie with a camera module that allows to control and see the 3d printer during its job.


Shape-wise, the geometries are generated by taking as reference drawings from the book "Atlas of Human Anatomy and Surgery, by Bourgery and Jacob". More precisely, ortographic views of cartilage and bones.


Sacrum and Scapula were chosen amongst other bones because the forces applied to them are similar to the one that will be applied to the top part of the 3D butter. Other bones are taken as reference like Femur and Sternum , respectively for the mid and the bottom part, for the same functional reasons.


The techno-organic look is an intrinsic feature of the particular design process itslef and the choice of the naked electronics was made possible by the controlled and dust-free environment in wich the product will be operating, that is a custom enclosure of a Prusa MK2+.


The software used is from octoprint.com, an open source project to control remotely and monitor the 3D printing process via local server or VPN. Generative design processes can create outstanding organic shapes but are also functional, easy to produce in low scale and capable of being adapted to existing components. Working with raspberry pi is always an excellent choice, we can have a microcomputer with GPIO to control different actuators and sensors, making it good for prototyping. In our last project, raspberry pi performance was reduced due to heat produced from the core.


To solve this problem we created a fast iteration with generative design to produce a 3D printer fan support, capable of being fixed inside a conventional raspberry pi case. Obtaining these incredible results is keeping the performance of our microcomputer at its best. In the same way we developed a fast iteration to 3D print a set of pieces to support relay boards. This was to create the optimal support in a limited space with allowance for cable management.
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