Couple-Buckle

Development Process

CAD and Prototyping


I prototyped the threading connection and the connection with the purchased buckle backing with 3D printed models.. 


I also printed aesthetic prototypes to see what my designs would look like. However, to reduce machining time I had to simplify the brass design.



Manufacturing


I manufactured 3 pieces with tabs on the CNC, each with one part flip. Two were made of aluminum and one was brass. The total machining time was about 12 hours.


Post Processing and Finishing


Because of errors in my operation, I had to post process the Paul Frank buckle and helicoil the backing so that the purchased component could attach.

Results

Learnings + Future Work

Think through the workholding on the CNC, especially with part flips.

When finishing a piece, it's important to think about the order of operations! Finish polishing before sandblasting other parts.

Prototype with the actual fabrication method! Prototypes of a different manufacturing process don't always teach you what you need to know.

Couple-Buckle

Couple-Buckle

Initial Ideation

In my initial brainstorm, I came up with three ideas of a jewelry box, a stackable glasses wall display, or interchangeable belt buckle. I pursued the belt buckle design because I felt that I would actually use the product and

In my initial brainstorm, I came up with three ideas of a jewelry box, a stackable glasses wall display, or interchangeable belt buckle. I pursued the belt buckle design because I felt that I would actually use the product and

Context

For the project, we were given no prompt. The only requirement was to make a product with a mechanical connection or interface. I was inspired by a range of ideas, but decided to expand on the idea of an interchangeable belt buckle I had worked on in the past.

Development Process

CAD and Prototyping


I prototyped the threading connection and the connection with the purchased buckle backing with 3D printed models.. 


I also printed aesthetic prototypes to see what my designs would look like. However, to reduce machining time I had to simplify the brass design.


Manufacturing


I manufactured 3 pieces with tabs on the CNC, each with one part flip. Two were made of aluminum and one was brass. The total machining time was about 12 hours.


Post Processing and Finishing


Because of errors in my operation, I had to post process the Paul Frank buckle and helicoil the backing so that the purchased component could attach.

Project Type:

Individual Class Project

Timeline:

3 weeks

Timeline:

3 weeks

A swappable belt buckle manufactured on CNC using brass and aluminum. The buckle designs attached to the connector using a threading mechanism.


The brass buckle design is inspired by my ethnic background and the Sierra Leonean emblem of the Coat of Arms.


The Aluminum design is inspired by Paul Frank, a childhood icon in the likes of Hello Kitty and Domo.

Key Skills:

Autodesk Fusion360, CAM, CNC Mill

Results

Learnings + Future Work

Think through the workholding on the CNC, especially with part flips.

Prototype with the actual fabrication method! Prototypes of a different manufacturing process don't always teach you what you need to know.

When finishing a piece, it's important to think about the order of operations! Finish polishing before sandblasting other parts.

The couple-buckle came out well! The designs were well articulated and it successfully functioned as a belt buckle.


Areas to improve the design are with the two faces being flush when threaded and with lightweighting. My 3D printed prototypes threads did not translate on the CNC and resulted in a small gap.


The brass buckle is also heavier than I expected. I wish that I had removed some material on the back to make it more user friendly.

Couple-Buckle

The couple-buckle came out well! The designs were well articulated and it successfully functioned as a belt buckle.


Areas to improve the design are with the two faces being flush when threaded and with lightweighting. My 3D printed prototypes threads did not translate on the CNC and resulted in a small gap.


The brass buckle is also heavier than I expected. I wish that I had removed some material on the back to make it more user friendly.