PROJECT TYPE:
CLASS, INDIVIDUAL
AFFILIATION:
STANFORD
TIMELINE:
2024. 3 WEEKS.
SKILLS:
Wearable Design, CAD, CNC Mill
Double Buckle
CONTEXT
As a fan of unique belt buckles, but also perpetually running late when getting ready for a night out, sometimes I don't have the time to swap out the buckle? I end up with the same design every time despite a growing collection in my closet.
What if it was easier and the buckle always stayed attached? Then, I could swap on the design for the night with me or even put it on in the uber!
Double Buckle: a swappable belt buckle manufactured on a CNC mill using brass and aluminum. The 2 designs can be swapped using a threading mehcanism to attach to the back piece.
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.
PROCESS
The three phases of the project were CAD/Prototyping, Manufacturing, and then Post Processing. Prototypes were used to assess aesthetic and functional needs, however because these were 3D printed prototypes, some features did not translate well on the CNC mill.
The final buckles were made of aluminum and brass with a total machining time of 12 hours. Due to some issues that came, I had to post process parts in order to achieve the desired look and fit!
RESULTS
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 as my 3D printed prototyped threads did not translate on the CNC and resulted in a small gap.
Additionally, I would like to lightweight the brass buckle as it is heavier than desired. I wish that I had removed additional material on the back to make it more user friendly.
LEARNINGS
Think about order of operations, especially when finishing a piece
Workholding and manufacturing considerations are crucial to a design
Prototype with the actual manufacturing processes when possible
