HSL Casting

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Dimensions

47x30x2 mm, 18g

Cafe HSL

GPT Thoughts

Artwork

For your art class project, where participants will create metal castings to be painted in a paint-by-numbers or stained-glass style, choosing the right images is crucial. The images need to be simple enough to be distinguishable when cast in metal and painted, but also engaging enough to make the painting process enjoyable. Considering the flat vector style with raised metal outlines and recesses for paint, here are some image ideas that could work well:

  1. Animals and Insects: Simplified shapes of animals or insects, like butterflies, birds, cats, dogs, or fish. These subjects offer a broad appeal and can be stylized easily to fit the required format.
  2. Floral Designs: Flowers, leaves, and trees lend themselves well to this style. They can be simplified into beautiful designs that mimic the look of stained glass, making them perfect for filling in with vibrant colors.
  3. Geometric Patterns: Abstract geometric shapes or mandalas can be very engaging to paint and offer a wide range of complexity to suit different skill levels.
  4. Celestial Bodies: Images of the sun, moon, stars, and planets can make for striking designs. These can range from simple crescent moons and stars to more complex celestial scenes.
  5. Icons and Symbols: Hearts, stars, peace signs, or other iconic symbols are simple enough to be cast and painted by hobbyists of all ages. They also allow for a lot of creativity in the choice of colors.
  6. Cartoon Characters or Mascots: Simple characters or mascots can be appealing, especially for younger participants. Ensure you have the rights to use any copyrighted characters before proceeding.
  7. Seasonal Themes: Pumpkins, snowflakes, trees, or other seasonal icons can offer timely appeal and be great for holiday-themed classes.
  8. Cultural Motifs: Depending on the audience, incorporating cultural or traditional motifs can add an educational element to the art class. Ensure these are used respectfully and appropriately.

For the painting portion, ensure that the model paint chosen adheres well to metal and offers the durability needed for items like fridge magnets and lapel pins. Also, consider providing a clear sealant that participants can apply after painting to protect their work.

When designing these images, remember to keep the lines bold and the sections large enough to be easily painted. Providing a color guide can help participants envision the finished product, but encourage creativity and personal expression in choosing colors.

Ambiance

Creating an inviting and comfortable ambiance, especially in a more industrial setting like a hackerspace, can make all the difference in attracting and retaining a diverse group of participants. Here are some ambiance-enhancing elements that could make the space more welcoming:

  1. Lighting: Soft, warm lighting can transform a space. Consider string lights, table lamps, or LED candles to soften the industrial feel and create a cozy atmosphere.
  2. Comfortable Seating: Ensure there are enough comfortable chairs and, if space allows, a few sofas or armchairs. Comfortable seating areas encourage relaxation and conversation.
  3. Decorative Touches: Add some non-intrusive decorative items that soften the space and add visual interest without cluttering. Plants are excellent for bringing life to a room. Wall art or tapestries can also add color and warmth.
  4. Music: A background music playlist with a variety of genres can cater to diverse tastes. Keep the volume low enough to encourage conversation. Consider creating a collaborative playlist to involve the community in the selection process.
  5. Refreshment Area: Set up a coffee and tea station with a good selection of teas, quality coffee, and perhaps some specialty syrups or spices. Offering a few snacks or asking participants to bring snacks to share can also enhance the community feel.
  6. Scent: A subtle, pleasant scent can greatly enhance the ambiance. Consider using essential oil diffusers with relaxing scents like lavender, vanilla, or citrus. Avoid strong fragrances that might be overwhelming or cause discomfort.
  7. Interactive Elements: A bulletin board for participants to post ideas, events, or notes to each other can foster community. A small library of books related to art, technology, and maker culture can provide inspiration and encourage learning.
  8. Workshop Area Setup: Ensure the tables are clean and organized, with ample space for the art projects. Having samples of completed projects on display can inspire participants and set a creative tone.
  9. Inclusive Signage: Welcoming signage that explicitly states the event's goal of boosting female representation and encouraging diversity can make a big difference in making everyone feel welcome.
  10. Feedback and Involvement: Provide a way for participants to give feedback on the event and suggest future activities. This can help them feel more involved and invested in the community.

Creating a welcoming, inclusive environment not only enhances the specific event but can also contribute to the overall goal of increasing diversity and inclusivity within your hackerspace.

Music

For maintaining that relaxed, sophisticated vibe similar to "French cafe jazz" without repeating the same playlist, consider exploring these genres and playlist ideas. These selections should offer a similarly pleasant backdrop for your event, adding to the ambiance without overwhelming conversation:

  1. Bossa Nova Classics: Originating from Brazil, Bossa Nova's smooth, mellow tunes, often featuring soft samba rhythms with jazz influences, can create an inviting atmosphere similar to French cafe jazz.
  2. Italian Jazz: Much like French cafe jazz, Italian jazz combines the casual feel of Mediterranean life with the sophisticated depth of jazz music, perfect for an engaging yet relaxed setting.
  3. Gypsy Jazz: Also known as "Jazz Manouche," this style of jazz originated with Romani guitarist Django Reinhardt in Paris. Its upbeat, acoustic swing can add energy and warmth to the atmosphere.
  4. Cool Jazz: Originating in the late 1940s, Cool Jazz is characterized by relaxed tempos and lighter tones. Artists like Chet Baker and Miles Davis exemplify this style, which can complement a laid-back, inviting environment.
  5. Parisian Swing: Evoking the charm of Parisian nights, playlists featuring swing music with a French twist can offer a lively yet refined backdrop.
  6. Nu Jazz: Combining jazz elements with other music styles such as funk, electronic, and free improvisation, Nu Jazz playlists can offer a modern, sophisticated sound with enough variety to keep the ambiance fresh.
  7. Acoustic Covers Playlist: Acoustic versions of popular songs, spanning various genres but played in a softer, jazz-influenced style, can provide familiarity in an innovative format, suitable for diverse tastes.
  8. Chillhop / Lo-fi Hip Hop: While not jazz per se, Chillhop and Lo-fi Hip Hop playlists offer a relaxed, beat-driven background that's unobtrusive and promotes a comfortable, creative atmosphere.

When selecting music for your event, consider the dynamics of the group and the nature of the event itself. The goal is to enhance the environment without distracting from the activities or conversations. Many streaming services like Spotify have curated playlists in these genres, or you can create a custom playlist that cycles through different styles to keep the musical backdrop engaging and varied throughout the event.

Event Topics

  • Blender Models
    • Modeling
    • Slicing
    • Printing
  • Mold Making
  • Casting
  • Painting

Resin Printing

Z Axis Home

There is a visual sensor that detects when the arm is at the bottom of travel. At the bottom of travel during leveling, the platen should be loosened, and should be pressed against the sheet of magazine print only by downward spring pressure in the swivel head.

Problem: When a Wham Bam magnet and flex plate are added to the platen, it makes the platen thicker. This increased thickness causes the platen to crash in the Z axis after the spring in the swivel head has completely compressed. The arm can be seen deflecting as the platen crashes.

Solution: Wham Bam and Elegoo have both documented the fix for this problem. At the root of the Z axis arm there is a metal tab that interrupts the Z axis home sensor beam when the arm reaches the bottom of travel. Causing that beam to be interrupted when the platen is a few millimeters higher solves the issue. Elegoo and Wham Bam both recommend using either a 3D printed shim or a few washers between the metal tab and the Z axis arm to move the tab lower relative to the platen. This causes the tab to interrupt the Z axis home sensor at a higher Z.

To test the solution, Beau thought of the idea of using a piece of opaque tape to extend the Z trigger metal tab. I have added the piece of tape and verified the fix. The platen can now be zero'd properly and does not cause the Z axis arm to flex when homed during leveling.

Now I'd like to add the washers to make the fix permanent.

Casting

Preheating the molds to 325 may be a problem. I think it is making it too easy for metal to seep out between the layers. When I preheated to 220, it still leaked a bit, but the leaking stopped. Presumably the thin layer of metal between the sides, where the leak was, had cooled due to contact with the cooler mold.

Pouring with the mold vertical could also be part of the problem.

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