Cursor AI Transcript
Cursor AI Transcript · HTMAA 2025
Table of Contents
Overview
Complete transcript of Cursor AI assistance
Full Conversation
I'll help you add your first slinky design to the untanglable slinky section. Let me first examine the current week3.html file to understand the structure and then add the content you requested.
Now I need to find the untanglable slinky section and add your first slinky design. I can see the section starts around line 401. Let me add the content you requested to that section.
Untanglable Slinky
A complex 3D printable design that demonstrates additive manufacturing capabilities through intricate geometry that cannot be manufactured subtractively.
First Slinky Design
My initial exploration into creating a 3D printable slinky design, inspired by the classic magic spring concept.
First slinky design - exploring the magic spring concept
Design Description: This first slinky design represents my initial exploration into creating a 3D printable magic spring. The design focuses on creating a helical structure that can collapse and expand while maintaining its structural integrity.
This design was inspired by the classic slinky toy and the concept of creating a "magic spring" that can be 3D printed in one piece, demonstrating the unique capabilities of additive manufacturing.
Inspiration & Resources
This design draws inspiration from several sources and builds upon existing work in 3D printable magic springs:
Video Demonstration
Watch the slinky in action: YouTube Video - Magic Spring Demonstration
3D Printable Magic Spring
Download the original design: Printables - Slinky Magic Spring
Hackaday Project
Explore the technical details: Hackaday - 3D Printed Magic Spring
The Hackaday project provides comprehensive documentation including Java code for generating G-code, print parameters, and detailed instructions for creating 3D printable magic springs. The project includes multiple iterations of the code with different features like temperature control, spiral priming, and delta printer compatibility.
Design Files
All design files for this slinky project are available for download:
Download Design Files:
week3/designfiles/slinky1/
This directory contains all the design files including STL files, CAD source files, and any additional documentation for the slinky project.
Let me try a more targeted approach by finding the exact text and replacing it:
Week 3 · HTMAA 2025 · 3D Scanning and Printing
Week 3
3D Scanning and Printing
Week Highlights
Exploring the capabilities and limitations of additive manufacturing through hands-on design and printing experiments.
Table of Contents
Course Content
3D Printing & Scanning
Assignments & Projects
3D Scanning and Printing
This week focuses on additive manufacturing processes and 3D scanning technologies. We'll explore the differences between subtractive and additive processes, learn about various 3D printing materials and techniques, and understand the design constraints and capabilities of 3D printing systems.
Key Concepts: Additive vs subtractive manufacturing, design for 3D printing, material properties, scanning technologies
This Week's Goals
- Test 3D printer design rules
Group assignment: Test design rules for available 3D printer(s)
- Design additive-only object
Individual: Design and print object that cannot be made subtractively
- 3D scan an object
Individual: Scan an object and optionally print it
Assignments
- Group Assignment
Test design rules for 3D printer(s)
- Individual Assignment
Design, document, and 3D print object that could not be made subtractively
- 3D Scanning
3D scan an object (and optionally print it)
Tools & Materials
- 3D Printers
FDM, SLA, SLS systems
- Materials
PLA, PETG, ABS, specialty materials
- Scanning Equipment
Photogrammetry, structured light, laser scanning
- Software
Slicers, mesh editing, scanning software
3D Printing Processes
Understanding different additive manufacturing technologies and their applications.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM/FFF)
Most common desktop 3D printing method using thermoplastic filament
Stereolithography (SLA)
UV-cured resin printing for high detail and smooth surfaces
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Powder-based printing for complex geometries without supports
Digital Light Processing (DLP)
Similar to SLA but uses digital light projection for faster printing
Binder Jetting
Powder and binder system for full-color printing
Material Jetting
Inkjet-style printing with multiple materials and colors
Materials
Common 3D printing materials and their properties.
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Plant-based, biodegradable, easy to print, glass transition ~60°C, more brittle
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
Oil-based recyclable, glass transition ~80°C, tougher, better UV resistance
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Strong, impact-resistant, requires heated bed, more difficult to print
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Flexible material for rubber-like properties
PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)
Water-soluble support material
Specialty Materials
Wood-filled, metal-filled, carbon fiber, conductive materials
Design Rules for 3D Printing
Key constraints and guidelines for designing printable objects.
Overhangs & Supports
- Overhang angle
Typically 45° maximum without supports
- Bridging
Short spans can be printed without supports
- Support types
Tree, linear, and custom support structures
Geometry Constraints
- Wall thickness
Minimum thickness depends on nozzle size
- Clearance
Gaps between moving parts need proper spacing
- Infill patterns
Affects strength, weight, and print time
3D Scanning Methods
Various technologies for capturing 3D geometry of physical objects.
Photogrammetry
Multiple photos from different angles, processed with software like Meshroom, Polycam
Structured Light
Projects patterns onto object, captures deformation for 3D reconstruction
Laser Scanning
Time-of-flight or triangulation-based distance measurement
Stereo Vision
Two cameras for depth perception, similar to human vision
CT Scanning
X-ray tomography for internal structures and complex geometries
LIDAR
Light detection and ranging for large-scale scanning
File Formats
Common file formats used in 3D printing and scanning workflows.
3D Model Formats
- STL
Most common for 3D printing, triangular mesh
- OBJ
Includes texture and color information
- 3MF
Modern format with metadata and multiple objects
- STEP
CAD exchange format with precise geometry
Printing Formats
- G-code
Machine instructions for 3D printer
- PLY
Point cloud format for scanning
- AMF
Additive Manufacturing Format with materials
- VRML/X3D
Web-based 3D formats
Group Assignment: Test Design Rules
Test the design rules for your 3D printer(s) by creating a comprehensive test print that evaluates various design constraints and capabilities.
Test Categories
- Overhang angles
Test different angles from 0° to 60° to find maximum printable angle
- Wall thickness
Test minimum printable wall thickness for your printer
- Bridging
Test maximum unsupported bridge length
- Clearance
Test minimum clearance between moving parts
- Infill patterns
Compare different infill patterns for strength and print time
Design Test Files
Comprehensive STL files for testing various 3D printing design rules and constraints:
Individual Assignment: Additive-Only Design
Design, document, and 3D print an object that could not be made subtractively. The object should be small (few cm³) and limited by printer time.
Design Requirements
- Complex geometry
Must have features impossible with subtractive manufacturing
- Size constraint
Small object, few cm³ volume
- Print time
Consider reasonable print time for testing
- Documentation
Document design process, print settings, and results
3D Scanning Component
- Scan object
Use available scanning method to capture 3D geometry
- Process mesh
Clean and prepare scanned mesh for printing
- Optional printing
Print the scanned object if desired
Handgripper for Locomotive Age Assessment
I hope to design and fabricate a handgripper to measure age based on hand grip strength. This builds on our aging biomarker research by focusing on locomotive age assessment.
The idea is to measure functional decline due to aging across multiple modalities:
- Cognition: Memory, attention, reasoning, and problem-solving
- Locomotion: Mobility, balance, and muscle strength
- Sensory: Vision, hearing, and touch
- Vitality: Energy levels, nutrition, and sleep
- Psychological: Emotional well-being, resilience, and social connections
Last week we measured cognition with reaction time - this week we focus on locomotive age through grip strength.
Proposed 3D Printable Components
Untanglable Slinky
Complex interlocking geometry that cannot be manufactured subtractively. Tests printer's ability to create intricate, self-supporting structures with minimal overhangs.
Single Torsion Spring
Helical spring mechanism for grip force measurement. Demonstrates additive manufacturing's capability to create functional mechanical components in one piece.
Double Torsion Spring
Nested spring system with different spring constants. Tests printer's ability to create complex, multi-component mechanisms with varying material properties.
Coil Mechanism
Spiral coil for force transmission and measurement. Explores the limits of printable coil geometries and their mechanical properties for sensor integration.
Untanglable Slinky
A complex 3D printable design that demonstrates additive manufacturing capabilities through intricate geometry that cannot be manufactured subtractively.
First Slinky Design
My initial exploration into creating a 3D printable slinky design, inspired by the classic magic spring concept.
First slinky design - exploring the magic spring concept
Design Description: This first slinky design represents my initial exploration into creating a 3D printable magic spring. The design focuses on creating a helical structure that can collapse and expand while maintaining its structural integrity.
This design was inspired by the classic slinky toy and the concept of creating a "magic spring" that can be 3D printed in one piece, demonstrating the unique capabilities of additive manufacturing.
Inspiration & Resources
This design draws inspiration from several sources and builds upon existing work in 3D printable magic springs:
Video Demonstration
Watch the slinky in action: YouTube Video - Magic Spring Demonstration
3D Printable Magic Spring
Download the original design: Printables - Slinky Magic Spring
Hackaday Project
Explore the technical details: Hackaday - 3D Printed Magic Spring
The Hackaday project provides comprehensive documentation including Java code for generating G-code, print parameters, and detailed instructions for creating 3D printable magic springs. The project includes multiple iterations of the code with different features like temperature control, spiral priming, and delta printer compatibility.
Design Files
All design files for this slinky project are available for download:
Download Design Files:
week3/designfiles/slinky1/
This directory contains all the design files including STL files, CAD source files, and any additional documentation for the slinky project.
Human-AI Co-Design
This design was co-developed through iterative discussion with ChatGPT, exploring various approaches to create an untanglable slinky geometry.
Design Iterations
The design process involved multiple iterations, with the first two attempts resulting in tangled slinkies that failed to maintain proper coil separation:
First attempt: Tangled slinky with improper coil geometry
Second attempt: Still resulted in tangled geometry
Final Successful Design
The third iteration successfully achieved the desired untanglable geometry:
Final design: Untanglable slinky with proper coil geometry
Design Description: This design shows an untanglable slinky with flat, oval coils, tiny spacers between turns, and solid end caps, so it collapses neatly without knots. The geometry enforces orderly stacking while preventing coils from slipping past each other.
This design was co-created through iterative discussion with ChatGPT, demonstrating effective human-AI collaboration in 3D design.
View the full conversation transcript in the Ethical AI Use section →
Design Files
Links to CAD files, STL files, and other design assets for this week's assignments.
Group Assignment - 3D Printing Design Rules Test Files
Comprehensive STL files for testing various 3D printing design rules and constraints:
Reflections & Learnings
Key insights and lessons learned from working with 3D printing and scanning technologies.
Reflections will be added as work progresses
Contributions
Acknowledgements and team roles for this week's work.
Contributions will be documented as work progresses
Ethical AI Use
Documentation of AI tool usage for this week's assignments and design work.
Week 3 - 3D Scanning and Printing Development
This session covers the development of the Week 3 page for 3D scanning and printing, including content population from MIT Academy resources, navigation updates, and design file integration.
Key Activities
- Week 3 page creation from template
- Content population from MIT Academy
- Navigation button integration
- Design file organization
AI Tools Used
- Cursor AI for code generation
- Content structuring and formatting
- File organization and linking
- Design consistency maintenance
Untanglable Slinky Co-Design Session
This session documents the iterative co-design process for creating an untanglable slinky using ChatGPT. The conversation shows multiple design iterations, from initial failed attempts to the final successful geometry.
Design Process
- Initial geometry exploration
- Iterative refinement process
- Problem-solving for tangling issues
- Final successful design
AI Collaboration
- ChatGPT for geometry suggestions
- Iterative feedback and refinement
- Problem diagnosis and solutions
- Design validation and testing
Responsive Design Repository Refactoring
This session documents the comprehensive refactoring of the entire web development repository to make it fully responsive and mobile-friendly. The conversation covers the implementation of modern CSS techniques, responsive design patterns, and mobile-first development approaches.
Key Activities
- Responsive CSS framework creation
- Mobile-first design implementation
- Video container optimization
- Typography and spacing refactoring
AI Collaboration
- Cursor AI for responsive design
- CSS framework architecture
- Mobile optimization strategies
- Cross-browser compatibility
Perfect! I've successfully added your first slinky design to the untanglable slinky section. Here's what I added:
Summary of Changes
I've added a comprehensive new section to your Week 3 HTML file that includes:
1. First Slinky Design Section
week3/individualassignment/slinky/slinky1.png2. Inspiration & Resources Section
3. Design Files Section
week3/designfiles/slinky1/4. Content Structure
The new content is now integrated into your existing untanglable slinky section and provides a comprehensive overview of your first slinky design along with all the resources and inspiration you requested. The styling matches your existing design system and maintains the professional look of your documentation.
I'll move the first slinky design section to be placed under the Human-AI Co-Design section instead of before it.
A complex 3D printable design that demonstrates additive manufacturing capabilities through intricate geometry that cannot be manufactured subtractively.
Human-AI Co-Design
Let me read the current file to see the exact structure and then make the move:
I can see the current structure. I need to move the "First Slinky Design" section (lines 409-460) to be placed after the "Human-AI Co-Design" section. Let me do this in two steps:
1. First, remove the First Slinky Design section from its current location 2. Then add it after the Human-AI Co-Design section
A complex 3D printable design that demonstrates additive manufacturing capabilities through intricate geometry that cannot be manufactured subtractively.
Human-AI Co-Design
Let me try a different approach by using MultiEdit to make the changes:
I can see the file has been modified and now uses different CSS classes. Let me read the current state and then make the move:
Now I'll add the First Slinky Design section after the Human-AI Co-Design section ends (after line 498):
Week 3 · HTMAA 2025 · 3D Scanning and Printing
Week 3
3D Scanning and Printing
Week Highlights
Exploring the capabilities and limitations of additive manufacturing through hands-on design and printing experiments.
Table of Contents
Course Content
3D Printing & Scanning
Assignments & Projects
3D Scanning and Printing
This week focuses on additive manufacturing processes and 3D scanning technologies. We'll explore the differences between subtractive and additive processes, learn about various 3D printing materials and techniques, and understand the design constraints and capabilities of 3D printing systems.
Key Concepts: Additive vs subtractive manufacturing, design for 3D printing, material properties, scanning technologies
This Week's Goals
- Test 3D printer design rules
Group assignment: Test design rules for available 3D printer(s)
- Design additive-only object
Individual: Design and print object that cannot be made subtractively
- 3D scan an object
Individual: Scan an object and optionally print it
Assignments
- Group Assignment
Test design rules for 3D printer(s)
- Individual Assignment
Design, document, and 3D print object that could not be made subtractively
- 3D Scanning
3D scan an object (and optionally print it)
Tools & Materials
- 3D Printers
FDM, SLA, SLS systems
- Materials
PLA, PETG, ABS, specialty materials
- Scanning Equipment
Photogrammetry, structured light, laser scanning
- Software
Slicers, mesh editing, scanning software
3D Printing Processes
Understanding different additive manufacturing technologies and their applications.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM/FFF)
Most common desktop 3D printing method using thermoplastic filament
Stereolithography (SLA)
UV-cured resin printing for high detail and smooth surfaces
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Powder-based printing for complex geometries without supports
Digital Light Processing (DLP)
Similar to SLA but uses digital light projection for faster printing
Binder Jetting
Powder and binder system for full-color printing
Material Jetting
Inkjet-style printing with multiple materials and colors
Materials
Common 3D printing materials and their properties.
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Plant-based, biodegradable, easy to print, glass transition ~60°C, more brittle
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
Oil-based recyclable, glass transition ~80°C, tougher, better UV resistance
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Strong, impact-resistant, requires heated bed, more difficult to print
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Flexible material for rubber-like properties
PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)
Water-soluble support material
Specialty Materials
Wood-filled, metal-filled, carbon fiber, conductive materials
Design Rules for 3D Printing
Key constraints and guidelines for designing printable objects.
Overhangs & Supports
- Overhang angle
Typically 45° maximum without supports
- Bridging
Short spans can be printed without supports
- Support types
Tree, linear, and custom support structures
Geometry Constraints
- Wall thickness
Minimum thickness depends on nozzle size
- Clearance
Gaps between moving parts need proper spacing
- Infill patterns
Affects strength, weight, and print time
3D Scanning Methods
Various technologies for capturing 3D geometry of physical objects.
Photogrammetry
Multiple photos from different angles, processed with software like Meshroom, Polycam
Structured Light
Projects patterns onto object, captures deformation for 3D reconstruction
Laser Scanning
Time-of-flight or triangulation-based distance measurement
Stereo Vision
Two cameras for depth perception, similar to human vision
CT Scanning
X-ray tomography for internal structures and complex geometries
LIDAR
Light detection and ranging for large-scale scanning
File Formats
Common file formats used in 3D printing and scanning workflows.
3D Model Formats
- STL
Most common for 3D printing, triangular mesh
- OBJ
Includes texture and color information
- 3MF
Modern format with metadata and multiple objects
- STEP
CAD exchange format with precise geometry
Printing Formats
- G-code
Machine instructions for 3D printer
- PLY
Point cloud format for scanning
- AMF
Additive Manufacturing Format with materials
- VRML/X3D
Web-based 3D formats
Group Assignment: Test Design Rules
Test the design rules for your 3D printer(s) by creating a comprehensive test print that evaluates various design constraints and capabilities.
Test Categories
- Overhang angles
Test different angles from 0° to 60° to find maximum printable angle
- Wall thickness
Test minimum printable wall thickness for your printer
- Bridging
Test maximum unsupported bridge length
- Clearance
Test minimum clearance between moving parts
- Infill patterns
Compare different infill patterns for strength and print time
Design Test Files
Comprehensive STL files for testing various 3D printing design rules and constraints:
Individual Assignment: Additive-Only Design
Design, document, and 3D print an object that could not be made subtractively. The object should be small (few cm³) and limited by printer time.
Design Requirements
- Complex geometry
Must have features impossible with subtractive manufacturing
- Size constraint
Small object, few cm³ volume
- Print time
Consider reasonable print time for testing
- Documentation
Document design process, print settings, and results
3D Scanning Component
- Scan object
Use available scanning method to capture 3D geometry
- Process mesh
Clean and prepare scanned mesh for printing
- Optional printing
Print the scanned object if desired
Handgripper for Locomotive Age Assessment
I hope to design and fabricate a handgripper to measure age based on hand grip strength. This builds on our aging biomarker research by focusing on locomotive age assessment.
The idea is to measure functional decline due to aging across multiple modalities:
- Cognition: Memory, attention, reasoning, and problem-solving
- Locomotion: Mobility, balance, and muscle strength
- Sensory: Vision, hearing, and touch
- Vitality: Energy levels, nutrition, and sleep
- Psychological: Emotional well-being, resilience, and social connections
Last week we measured cognition with reaction time - this week we focus on locomotive age through grip strength.
Proposed 3D Printable Components
Untanglable Slinky
Complex interlocking geometry that cannot be manufactured subtractively. Tests printer's ability to create intricate, self-supporting structures with minimal overhangs.
Single Torsion Spring
Helical spring mechanism for grip force measurement. Demonstrates additive manufacturing's capability to create functional mechanical components in one piece.
Double Torsion Spring
Nested spring system with different spring constants. Tests printer's ability to create complex, multi-component mechanisms with varying material properties.
Coil Mechanism
Spiral coil for force transmission and measurement. Explores the limits of printable coil geometries and their mechanical properties for sensor integration.
Untanglable Slinky
A complex 3D printable design that demonstrates additive manufacturing capabilities through intricate geometry that cannot be manufactured subtractively.
First Slinky Design
My initial exploration into creating a 3D printable slinky design, inspired by the classic magic spring concept.
First slinky design - exploring the magic spring concept
Design Description: This first slinky design represents my initial exploration into creating a 3D printable magic spring. The design focuses on creating a helical structure that can collapse and expand while maintaining its structural integrity.
This design was inspired by the classic slinky toy and the concept of creating a "magic spring" that can be 3D printed in one piece, demonstrating the unique capabilities of additive manufacturing.
Inspiration & Resources
This design draws inspiration from several sources and builds upon existing work in 3D printable magic springs:
Video Demonstration
Watch the slinky in action: YouTube Video - Magic Spring Demonstration
3D Printable Magic Spring
Download the original design: Printables - Slinky Magic Spring
Hackaday Project
Explore the technical details: Hackaday - 3D Printed Magic Spring
The Hackaday project provides comprehensive documentation including Java code for generating G-code, print parameters, and detailed instructions for creating 3D printable magic springs. The project includes multiple iterations of the code with different features like temperature control, spiral priming, and delta printer compatibility.
Design Files
All design files for this slinky project are available for download:
Download Design Files:
week3/designfiles/slinky1/
This directory contains all the design files including STL files, CAD source files, and any additional documentation for the slinky project.
Human-AI Co-Design
This design was co-developed through iterative discussion with ChatGPT, exploring various approaches to create an untanglable slinky geometry.
Design Iterations
The design process involved multiple iterations, with the first two attempts resulting in tangled slinkies that failed to maintain proper coil separation:
First attempt: Tangled slinky with improper coil geometry
Second attempt: Still resulted in tangled geometry
Final Successful Design
The third iteration successfully achieved the desired untanglable geometry:
Final design: Untanglable slinky with proper coil geometry
Design Description: This design shows an untanglable slinky with flat, oval coils, tiny spacers between turns, and solid end caps, so it collapses neatly without knots. The geometry enforces orderly stacking while preventing coils from slipping past each other.
This design was co-created through iterative discussion with ChatGPT, demonstrating effective human-AI collaboration in 3D design.
View the full conversation transcript in the Ethical AI Use section →
First Slinky Design
My initial exploration into creating a 3D printable slinky design, inspired by the classic magic spring concept.
First slinky design - exploring the magic spring concept
Design Description: This first slinky design represents my initial exploration into creating a 3D printable magic spring. The design focuses on creating a helical structure that can collapse and expand while maintaining its structural integrity.
This design was inspired by the classic slinky toy and the concept of creating a "magic spring" that can be 3D printed in one piece, demonstrating the unique capabilities of additive manufacturing.
Inspiration & Resources
This design draws inspiration from several sources and builds upon existing work in 3D printable magic springs:
Video Demonstration
Watch the slinky in action: YouTube Video - Magic Spring Demonstration
3D Printable Magic Spring
Download the original design: Printables - Slinky Magic Spring
Hackaday Project
Explore the technical details: Hackaday - 3D Printed Magic Spring
The Hackaday project provides comprehensive documentation including Java code for generating G-code, print parameters, and detailed instructions for creating 3D printable magic springs. The project includes multiple iterations of the code with different features like temperature control, spiral priming, and delta printer compatibility.
Design Files
All design files for this slinky project are available for download:
Download Design Files:
week3/designfiles/slinky1/
This directory contains all the design files including STL files, CAD source files, and any additional documentation for the slinky project.
Design Files
Links to CAD files, STL files, and other design assets for this week's assignments.
Group Assignment - 3D Printing Design Rules Test Files
Comprehensive STL files for testing various 3D printing design rules and constraints:
Reflections & Learnings
Key insights and lessons learned from working with 3D printing and scanning technologies.
Reflections will be added as work progresses
Contributions
Acknowledgements and team roles for this week's work.
Contributions will be documented as work progresses
Ethical AI Use
Documentation of AI tool usage for this week's assignments and design work.
Week 3 - 3D Scanning and Printing Development
This session covers the development of the Week 3 page for 3D scanning and printing, including content population from MIT Academy resources, navigation updates, and design file integration.
Key Activities
- Week 3 page creation from template
- Content population from MIT Academy
- Navigation button integration
- Design file organization
AI Tools Used
- Cursor AI for code generation
- Content structuring and formatting
- File organization and linking
- Design consistency maintenance
Untanglable Slinky Co-Design Session
This session documents the iterative co-design process for creating an untanglable slinky using ChatGPT. The conversation shows multiple design iterations, from initial failed attempts to the final successful geometry.
Design Process
- Initial geometry exploration
- Iterative refinement process
- Problem-solving for tangling issues
- Final successful design
AI Collaboration
- ChatGPT for geometry suggestions
- Iterative feedback and refinement
- Problem diagnosis and solutions
- Design validation and testing
Responsive Design Repository Refactoring
This session documents the comprehensive refactoring of the entire web development repository to make it fully responsive and mobile-friendly. The conversation covers the implementation of modern CSS techniques, responsive design patterns, and mobile-first development approaches.
Key Activities
- Responsive CSS framework creation
- Mobile-first design implementation
- Video container optimization
- Typography and spacing refactoring
AI Collaboration
- Cursor AI for responsive design
- CSS framework architecture
- Mobile optimization strategies
- Cross-browser compatibility
Now I need to remove the original First Slinky Design section that was placed earlier in the file. Let me find and remove it:
Week 3 · HTMAA 2025 · 3D Scanning and Printing
Week 3
3D Scanning and Printing
Week Highlights
Exploring the capabilities and limitations of additive manufacturing through hands-on design and printing experiments.
Table of Contents
Course Content
3D Printing & Scanning
Assignments & Projects
3D Scanning and Printing
This week focuses on additive manufacturing processes and 3D scanning technologies. We'll explore the differences between subtractive and additive processes, learn about various 3D printing materials and techniques, and understand the design constraints and capabilities of 3D printing systems.
Key Concepts: Additive vs subtractive manufacturing, design for 3D printing, material properties, scanning technologies
This Week's Goals
- Test 3D printer design rules
Group assignment: Test design rules for available 3D printer(s)
- Design additive-only object
Individual: Design and print object that cannot be made subtractively
- 3D scan an object
Individual: Scan an object and optionally print it
Assignments
- Group Assignment
Test design rules for 3D printer(s)
- Individual Assignment
Design, document, and 3D print object that could not be made subtractively
- 3D Scanning
3D scan an object (and optionally print it)
Tools & Materials
- 3D Printers
FDM, SLA, SLS systems
- Materials
PLA, PETG, ABS, specialty materials
- Scanning Equipment
Photogrammetry, structured light, laser scanning
- Software
Slicers, mesh editing, scanning software
3D Printing Processes
Understanding different additive manufacturing technologies and their applications.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM/FFF)
Most common desktop 3D printing method using thermoplastic filament
Stereolithography (SLA)
UV-cured resin printing for high detail and smooth surfaces
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Powder-based printing for complex geometries without supports
Digital Light Processing (DLP)
Similar to SLA but uses digital light projection for faster printing
Binder Jetting
Powder and binder system for full-color printing
Material Jetting
Inkjet-style printing with multiple materials and colors
Materials
Common 3D printing materials and their properties.
PLA (Polylactic Acid)
Plant-based, biodegradable, easy to print, glass transition ~60°C, more brittle
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
Oil-based recyclable, glass transition ~80°C, tougher, better UV resistance
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
Strong, impact-resistant, requires heated bed, more difficult to print
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
Flexible material for rubber-like properties
PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol)
Water-soluble support material
Specialty Materials
Wood-filled, metal-filled, carbon fiber, conductive materials
Design Rules for 3D Printing
Key constraints and guidelines for designing printable objects.
Overhangs & Supports
- Overhang angle
Typically 45° maximum without supports
- Bridging
Short spans can be printed without supports
- Support types
Tree, linear, and custom support structures
Geometry Constraints
- Wall thickness
Minimum thickness depends on nozzle size
- Clearance
Gaps between moving parts need proper spacing
- Infill patterns
Affects strength, weight, and print time
3D Scanning Methods
Various technologies for capturing 3D geometry of physical objects.
Photogrammetry
Multiple photos from different angles, processed with software like Meshroom, Polycam
Structured Light
Projects patterns onto object, captures deformation for 3D reconstruction
Laser Scanning
Time-of-flight or triangulation-based distance measurement
Stereo Vision
Two cameras for depth perception, similar to human vision
CT Scanning
X-ray tomography for internal structures and complex geometries
LIDAR
Light detection and ranging for large-scale scanning
File Formats
Common file formats used in 3D printing and scanning workflows.
3D Model Formats
- STL
Most common for 3D printing, triangular mesh
- OBJ
Includes texture and color information
- 3MF
Modern format with metadata and multiple objects
- STEP
CAD exchange format with precise geometry
Printing Formats
- G-code
Machine instructions for 3D printer
- PLY
Point cloud format for scanning
- AMF
Additive Manufacturing Format with materials
- VRML/X3D
Web-based 3D formats
Group Assignment: Test Design Rules
Test the design rules for your 3D printer(s) by creating a comprehensive test print that evaluates various design constraints and capabilities.
Test Categories
- Overhang angles
Test different angles from 0° to 60° to find maximum printable angle
- Wall thickness
Test minimum printable wall thickness for your printer
- Bridging
Test maximum unsupported bridge length
- Clearance
Test minimum clearance between moving parts
- Infill patterns
Compare different infill patterns for strength and print time
Design Test Files
Comprehensive STL files for testing various 3D printing design rules and constraints:
Individual Assignment: Additive-Only Design
Design, document, and 3D print an object that could not be made subtractively. The object should be small (few cm³) and limited by printer time.
Design Requirements
- Complex geometry
Must have features impossible with subtractive manufacturing
- Size constraint
Small object, few cm³ volume
- Print time
Consider reasonable print time for testing
- Documentation
Document design process, print settings, and results
3D Scanning Component
- Scan object
Use available scanning method to capture 3D geometry
- Process mesh
Clean and prepare scanned mesh for printing
- Optional printing
Print the scanned object if desired
Handgripper for Locomotive Age Assessment
I hope to design and fabricate a handgripper to measure age based on hand grip strength. This builds on our aging biomarker research by focusing on locomotive age assessment.
The idea is to measure functional decline due to aging across multiple modalities:
- Cognition: Memory, attention, reasoning, and problem-solving
- Locomotion: Mobility, balance, and muscle strength
- Sensory: Vision, hearing, and touch
- Vitality: Energy levels, nutrition, and sleep
- Psychological: Emotional well-being, resilience, and social connections
Last week we measured cognition with reaction time - this week we focus on locomotive age through grip strength.
Proposed 3D Printable Components
Untanglable Slinky
Complex interlocking geometry that cannot be manufactured subtractively. Tests printer's ability to create intricate, self-supporting structures with minimal overhangs.
Single Torsion Spring
Helical spring mechanism for grip force measurement. Demonstrates additive manufacturing's capability to create functional mechanical components in one piece.
Double Torsion Spring
Nested spring system with different spring constants. Tests printer's ability to create complex, multi-component mechanisms with varying material properties.
Coil Mechanism
Spiral coil for force transmission and measurement. Explores the limits of printable coil geometries and their mechanical properties for sensor integration.
Untanglable Slinky
A complex 3D printable design that demonstrates additive manufacturing capabilities through intricate geometry that cannot be manufactured subtractively.
Human-AI Co-Design
This design was co-developed through iterative discussion with ChatGPT, exploring various approaches to create an untanglable slinky geometry.
Design Iterations
The design process involved multiple iterations, with the first two attempts resulting in tangled slinkies that failed to maintain proper coil separation:
First attempt: Tangled slinky with improper coil geometry
Second attempt: Still resulted in tangled geometry
Final Successful Design
The third iteration successfully achieved the desired untanglable geometry:
Final design: Untanglable slinky with proper coil geometry
Design Description: This design shows an untanglable slinky with flat, oval coils, tiny spacers between turns, and solid end caps, so it collapses neatly without knots. The geometry enforces orderly stacking while preventing coils from slipping past each other.
This design was co-created through iterative discussion with ChatGPT, demonstrating effective human-AI collaboration in 3D design.
View the full conversation transcript in the Ethical AI Use section →
First Slinky Design
My initial exploration into creating a 3D printable slinky design, inspired by the classic magic spring concept.
First slinky design - exploring the magic spring concept
Design Description: This first slinky design represents my initial exploration into creating a 3D printable magic spring. The design focuses on creating a helical structure that can collapse and expand while maintaining its structural integrity.
This design was inspired by the classic slinky toy and the concept of creating a "magic spring" that can be 3D printed in one piece, demonstrating the unique capabilities of additive manufacturing.
Inspiration & Resources
This design draws inspiration from several sources and builds upon existing work in 3D printable magic springs:
Video Demonstration
Watch the slinky in action: YouTube Video - Magic Spring Demonstration
3D Printable Magic Spring
Download the original design: Printables - Slinky Magic Spring
Hackaday Project
Explore the technical details: Hackaday - 3D Printed Magic Spring
The Hackaday project provides comprehensive documentation including Java code for generating G-code, print parameters, and detailed instructions for creating 3D printable magic springs. The project includes multiple iterations of the code with different features like temperature control, spiral priming, and delta printer compatibility.
Design Files
All design files for this slinky project are available for download:
Download Design Files:
week3/designfiles/slinky1/
This directory contains all the design files including STL files, CAD source files, and any additional documentation for the slinky project.
Design Files
Links to CAD files, STL files, and other design assets for this week's assignments.
Group Assignment - 3D Printing Design Rules Test Files
Comprehensive STL files for testing various 3D printing design rules and constraints:
Reflections & Learnings
Key insights and lessons learned from working with 3D printing and scanning technologies.
Reflections will be added as work progresses
Contributions
Acknowledgements and team roles for this week's work.
Contributions will be documented as work progresses
Ethical AI Use
Documentation of AI tool usage for this week's assignments and design work.
Week 3 - 3D Scanning and Printing Development
This session covers the development of the Week 3 page for 3D scanning and printing, including content population from MIT Academy resources, navigation updates, and design file integration.
Key Activities
- Week 3 page creation from template
- Content population from MIT Academy
- Navigation button integration
- Design file organization
AI Tools Used
- Cursor AI for code generation
- Content structuring and formatting
- File organization and linking
- Design consistency maintenance
Untanglable Slinky Co-Design Session
This session documents the iterative co-design process for creating an untanglable slinky using ChatGPT. The conversation shows multiple design iterations, from initial failed attempts to the final successful geometry.
Design Process
- Initial geometry exploration
- Iterative refinement process
- Problem-solving for tangling issues
- Final successful design
AI Collaboration
- ChatGPT for geometry suggestions
- Iterative feedback and refinement
- Problem diagnosis and solutions
- Design validation and testing
Responsive Design Repository Refactoring
This session documents the comprehensive refactoring of the entire web development repository to make it fully responsive and mobile-friendly. The conversation covers the implementation of modern CSS techniques, responsive design patterns, and mobile-first development approaches.
Key Activities
- Responsive CSS framework creation
- Mobile-first design implementation
- Video container optimization
- Typography and spacing refactoring
AI Collaboration
- Cursor AI for responsive design
- CSS framework architecture
- Mobile optimization strategies
- Cross-browser compatibility
Perfect! I've successfully moved the "First Slinky Design" section to be placed under the "Human-AI Co-Design" section as requested.
Summary of Changes
✅ Successfully moved the First Slinky Design section to appear after the Human-AI Co-Design section
The new structure now flows as follows: 1. Untanglable Slinky (main section) 2. Human-AI Co-Design (ChatGPT collaboration section) 3. First Slinky Design (your initial exploration) - Now positioned here - Image with caption - Design description - Inspiration & Resources (YouTube, Printables, Hackaday links) - Design Files download link
The section now appears in the logical order you requested, with your first slinky design coming after the Human-AI co-design section, providing a nice narrative flow from the collaborative design process to your individual exploration.
Download Options
For the complete technical details and full conversation transcript: