Fish Cork
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Objective
Design a physical product that leverages the capabilities of additive manufacturing. Suggested topics include designing fixturing/tooling or incorporating algorithmic modeling.
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Outcome
I chose to make a silicone wine bottle stopper as I was interested in learning about silicone molding. To incorporate the algorithmic modeling portion of the prompt, I chose to make a mass efficient 3D printed mold.
Original Ideation
Prototype 1
Goal: Get a feel for what the dimensions should be with a generic shaped stopper. Get a better understanding for what durometer silicone may be appropriate.
Leverage AM:
Prototype 1 had rather uninspiring geometry. I wanted to make sure I leveraged additive’s ability to capture complex geometry, so I ultimately landed on this skeleton fish design!
Prototype 2
Goal: Ensure the dimensions are right and that it can function as a wine stopper before making the mold.
Mold Design
Started out with a generic square mold from which I could run shape optimization studies to see where material could be cut down! I wanted the mold to be mass optimal to decrease both cost and print time.
Shape Optimization Study
Updated Mold Design
Design Validation: Static Simulation
Goal: Confirm that the mass efficient mold can withstand the expected clamping force.
