AI-designed table

prusaprinters

<h3>About the Projec<strong>t</strong></h3><p>This project was inspired by the side tables from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.morganfurniture.co.uk/collection/rio/">RIO collection</a>&nbsp;(by Morgan Furniture), which used 3D printed parts created by algorithmic design tools. They have a distinctly organic feel, yet they are purely functional and designed to withstand day-to-day uses.</p><figure class="image image-style-align-left image_resized" style="width:36.87%;"><img src="https://media.printables.com/media/prints/201026/rich_content/2da3ed13-fb38-419f-91dd-c030afbce019/img_8889.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%2244eea03a-0335-4563-b1da-27382fd461be%22%2C%22w%22%3A1536%2C%22h%22%3A2048%7D"></figure><p>I've been playing around with Fusion 360's generative design for a while now, and I knew it could make something similar. <a href="https://onezero.medium.com/generative-design-disruption-hype-or-threat-ab7ef52aa1f2">Generative design</a> is an AI-based computational tool that creates optimized geometries based on a few criteria, such as supported weight, material, manufacturing processes, physical constraints, among others.</p><p>We have little control over how the parts will look, but I was happy with the results after just a couple of tries. It has a unique look, and the table itself turned out to be quite sturdy (as expected).</p><p>The table has been in use for almost a year now - without any issues whatsoever - successfully enduring day-to-day use, tabletop gaming, and even a couple of lazy cats.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h4>Materials</h4><p>From the start, the idea was to use tapered wooden legs and a glass table top to enhance visibility. Here's the complete list of materials:</p><ul><li>1x Tempered glass table top (4 mm thick and 450* mm in diameter)</li><li>3x Tapered wooden legs (around 350 mm in length and 45 mm large-end diameter)</li><li>3x Double-ended M8 (or 5/16) dowel screws</li><li>Transparent double-sided tape</li><li>Around 650 grams of PETG filament (more depending on the support structures required by your 3D printer)</li></ul><h4>Assembly</h4><p>The assembly is very straightforward. Once printed, the few support structures used were removed, and I just lightly sanded the surfaces on the top where support structures were used. I also gave it a light coat of black paint, not enough to cover the 3D printing lines since I kinda enjoy them, and I feel they help tell the story.</p><p>The legs were attached to the 3D printed part with double-ended M8 dowel screws threaded directly into the plastic through pre-designed holes. The table top was fixed to the 3D printed body with (good) double-sided tape. And that's it.&nbsp;</p><h3>The Design Process</h3><p>Let's quickly go over the design process for this specific project using this Fusion 360 feature so everyone can have at least an idea of how it works. In a nutshell, we need to set a few criteria for the part to be created so the algorithm can come up with different design solutions that fit all the requirements.&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image-style-align-right image_resized" style="width:36.92%;"><img src="https://media.printables.com/media/prints/201026/rich_content/958e870a-a507-4675-8b33-d2979e9bbd77/screenshot-2022-06-07-182826.jpg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22edc7c535-f685-4062-ab4e-b92d82db3178%22%2C%22w%22%3A638%2C%22h%22%3A696%7D"></figure><p>I started by 3D modeling the outsourced parts - furniture legs and tabletop (in red) - and positioning them as they will be once assembled. This includes setting up the total height of the table as well as the part.</p><p>Then, I modeled the components (in green) that will interface with the outsourced parts. These components will be preserved and incorporated into the final design as a way to guarantee a proper assembly later on.&nbsp;</p><p>Another major step in a generative design workflow is to set the physical constraints and forces/moments involved.&nbsp;</p><p>I made a free body diagram of each part and calculated all possible loading conditions considering the different positions objects can be placed. I also considered the loads involved in moving the table around — lifting, lateral movement, and rotation.</p><figure class="image image-style-align-left image_resized" style="width:43.4%;"><img src="https://media.printables.com/media/prints/201026/rich_content/30b4ede5-6730-420b-9e56-7e5793983b81/ezgifcom-gif-maker.gif#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%22c344a2c6-9e7b-45d6-b6ae-c91e5d0443da%22%2C%22w%22%3A351%2C%22h%22%3A364%7D"></figure><p>The table’s maximum capacity was calculated according to my cats’ weight. They always fight over the best (and oddest) spots to sleep, so I settled for their combined weight with a few kilograms to spare (around 15 kg).&nbsp;</p><p>Finally, a few more criteria and goals had to be set up like the part's material (PETG), safety factor (2.5), and the manufacturing process (3D printing). I also set the maximum overhang angle for my 3D printer (60°) so the software can optimize the design to reduce the amount of support structures required.&nbsp;</p><p>All that was left was to start the generative design process. After a few hours, a handful of design solutions that fitted all the above criteria were presented, and I picked the one that was the sturdiest and the prettiest (to my taste).&nbsp;</p><p>If you want to know more about the generative design process, I wrote <a href="https://onezero.medium.com/generative-design-disruption-hype-or-threat-ab7ef52aa1f2">an article</a> about it that goes over its main aspects.</p><h4>3D Printing</h4><figure class="image image-style-align-right image_resized" style="width:37.14%;"><img src="https://media.printables.com/media/prints/201026/rich_content/1a2095fd-cb0c-4193-801b-623e819d91c5/screenshot-2022-06-07-183151.jpg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%2286ddfe00-a643-46ef-b6bb-f83a84f431dd%22%2C%22w%22%3A800%2C%22h%22%3A771%7D"></figure><p>The final part was sliced and printed in PETG with the following settings:</p><ul><li>Layer height: 0.20 mm</li><li>Solid layers: 8 (top &amp; bottom)</li><li>Contours/perimeters: 4</li><li>Infill: 55% (rectilinear)&nbsp;</li></ul><p>Although optimized, support structures were still required. I manually added the support structures since I know how well my 3D printer handles overhangs, but I strongly suggest you follow your own workflow.</p><p>The printing itself took around <strong>35 hours</strong> in total to print and, fortunately, I got it right on the first try.</p><h3>I hope you like it and maybe try it yourself! Here's Leia enjoying it:&nbsp;</h3><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:82.79%;"><img src="https://media.printables.com/media/prints/201026/rich_content/906b8e99-b02f-44ba-8d3b-66fc5bb11188/img_8993.jpeg#%7B%22uuid%22%3A%2238f78a9f-60da-4eca-90b4-981ecbce4d4f%22%2C%22w%22%3A2048%2C%22h%22%3A1536%7D"></figure><figure class="image"><img></figure>