{"id":22599,"date":"2017-10-20T08:00:37","date_gmt":"2017-10-20T15:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.digilentinc.com\/?p=22599"},"modified":"2017-10-20T08:00:37","modified_gmt":"2017-10-20T15:00:37","slug":"to-find-or-to-fabricate","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/digilent.com\/blog\/to-find-or-to-fabricate\/","title":{"rendered":"To Find Or To Fabricate?"},"content":{"rendered":"

I would hazard a guess that most anybody who has ever spent time making stuff is unfortunately quite acquainted with the struggle of attempting to find that premium part. This is a natural when building anything, and it can be quite the creative roadblock (especially when one must turn to ordering online). It can be additionally frustrating to go out of your way to purchase a part just to later discover that it was not even what you needed. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you are like me and building is an essential part of the <\/span>design<\/span><\/i> phase it can be very useful to have an arsenal of skills and materials to use for rapid prototyping, to save time and headache later down the line and keep moving forward! <\/span><\/p>\n

Now if you happen to have a 3D printer and the accompanying skill set, this may not be as much of an issue for you. However for many of us makers out there, jumping directly into desktop fabrication is not always an option. For those of us that need or even prefer to start with more basic prototypes, today we will be sharing some strategies for finding that perfect part, or maybe just a piece that plays the part perfectly (for now)!<\/span><\/p>\n

In terms of process, when I am starting a build and find myself wanting for material I usually follow the following steps:<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Identify the problem<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Brainstorm solutions- Write down all viable approaches<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Select a methods to start with<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Visualize the general form or behavior of what I might need<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Identify accessible materials that fit the bill (or are close)<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Try it out!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If you get stuck, it is always an option to return to step 2 and pick a different approach. <\/span><\/p>\n

    \"\"
    When I am on the hunt for a part, no appliance is safe.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Tips<\/b><\/p>\n