2. Digital Body

References & Inspiration

Trio A - Yvonne Rainer

Judith Butler, Erin Manning, and Yvonne Rainer each explore the performativity of the body and movement from distinct yet interconnected perspectives. Butler's concept of performativity emphasizes how identities, particularly gender, are constructed through repetitive acts shaped by cultural and social norms. This understanding frames the body as a political space where performances can both reinforce and subvert societal expectations.

Building on this notion of the body as an active participant in meaning-making, Erin Manning delves into the relational nature of movement. She argues that movement not only occurs within space but also creates space through interactions between bodies, objects, and the environment. For Manning, the body is a site of transition and connection, where gestures and sensory experiences foster relationships and generate new possibilities for expression.

Yvonne Rainer complements these ideas through her postmodern dance practice, which challenges traditional notions of theatricality and spectacle. By prioritizing everyday movements and "neutral" gestures, Rainer demonstrates how the body can communicate complex ideas without relying on conventional dramatism. Her work redefines the role of the body in artistic performance, aligning with Butler's and Manning's shared interest in the body as a dynamic and transformative site.

Together, these authors highlight the performative potential of the body as a medium for creating, questioning, and redefining cultural and social frameworks through movement and interaction.

Research & Ideation

For this task, I wanted to think of the body as a structure that supports the movement of bodies and generates various spaces of interaction with the environment. Through gestures, postures, and senses, bodies in motion act as points of interaction, where the kinetic not only describes physical displacement but also the flows of energy, knowledge, and affect that emerge in these interactions. Manning emphasizes how these movements and sensory experiences allow for a reconfiguration of the senses of space and identity, involving a constant adaptation and transformation of the body in motion.

Triadisches Ballett by Oskar Schlemmer 1922

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Process and Workflow

Materials & Tools List

Software (Download & Installation)

• [ ] MakeHuman – For creating a digital 3D human body. MakeHuman is an open-source 3D software used to quickly create realistic human body models. It allows users to adjust parameters such as age, gender, body proportions, and facial features without modeling from scratch.
• [ ] Rhino (Rhinoceros 3D) – For editing, slicing, and adapting the model. Rhinoceros (Rhino) is a 3D modeling software widely used in industrial design, architecture, engineering, and digital fabrication. It is based on NURBS geometry, which allows the creation of highly precise and complex forms, including organic shapes.
• [ ] Slicer (e.g., Slicer for Fusion 360 or compatible tool) – For converting 3D models into 2D laser-cut files. In Fusion 360, a slider is an interactive control used to adjust and explore model parameters dynamically. It is mainly used in parametric design and the timeline, allowing users to modify values such as dimensions, angles, or proportions and see the changes in real time, making it easier to test variations and refine the design.
• [ ] Laser Cutter Control Software SmartCarve is a free Windows software used to control laser cutting and engraving machines. It allows users to import designs, adjust parameters such as speed and power, and send files directly to CNC/CO₂ laser machines.

Prototyping Materials

• [ ] MDF (2–3 mm) – For stronger test cuts and detailed modeling
• [ ] Acrylic sheets (optional) – For translucent or clean aesthetic finishes
• [ ] White glue or contact adhesive – For assembling parts
• [ ] Masking tape – For temporary joins or layout tests

Measurement & Finishing Tools

• [ ] Vernier caliper – For precise thickness and spacing measurements
• [ ] Steel ruler – For straight edges and measurements

Step 1: Download and Install MakeHuman

• Download MakeHuman: Go to MakeHuman's official website and download the software for your operating system.
• Install MakeHuman: Follow the installation instructions specific to your operating system.

Step 2: Create Your 3D Model in MakeHuman

• Open MakeHuman: Launch the program and start a new project.
• Select a Base Model: Choose from the various preset human body types or start from scratch.
• Adjust the Model: Use the sliders to modify the body shape, proportions, and other features to create your desired 3D model. You can adjust facial features, clothing, and textures at this stage.
• Save the Model: Once you're satisfied with the model, save it in .obj or .fbx format for use in other software.

Step 3: How to Import Models from MakeHuman to Rhino

Import the Model

1. Go to File > Import and select the .OBJ or .FBX file exported from MakeHuman.

2. For .OBJ files:

3. A dialog box will appear. Select "Import as mesh" to preserve the model's mesh structure.

4. For .FBX files:

5. Ensure the option to import textures and materials is enabled in the import settings.

Optimize the Model in Rhino

Clean up the Mesh

• Use the ReduceMesh command to lower the polygon count if the model is too complex.
• Run RebuildMeshNormals to fix any issues with mesh normals.

Select the Figure

To select an object in Rhino:

1. Click on the object in the 3D view.

If you have multiple objects, you can use the following commands: - SelAll → Selects everything. - SelLast → Selects the last created object. - SelSrf → Selects only surfaces. - SelPolysrf → Selects polysurfaces.

Execute the Split Command

• Type Split in the command bar and press Enter.
• Select the object you want to split and press Enter.
• Now, select the curve or surface that will serve as the cutting tool and press Enter.

Select and Delete Unwanted Parts

• You can click on each part individually or use the selection tool (SelLast to select the last created objects).
• Use Wireframe view (F4) to better see the cuts if necessary.

Delete the selected objects

• Press the Delete key on your keyboard.
• Or use the Erase command and press Enter.

Activate Surface and Shadow View

• Wireframe → Only shows object lines.
• Shaded → Displays surfaces with base color, without reflections or textures.
• Rendered → Applies materials, shadows, and lights.
• Ghosted → Allows you to see through surfaces.
• X-Ray → Similar to Ghosted, but more translucent.
• Technical, Artistic, Pen → Stylized display modes for sketches or technical drawings.

Export for Other Uses (Optional)

• If you need the model in a different format, use File > Export Selected and choose the appropriate format (e.g., STL for 3D printing).

Step 4: Use Slicer to Convert the 3D Model to 2D

• Download and Install Slicer: If you don't already have Slicer, download it from Slicer for Fusion 360 or another slicing software.

• Open Slicer: Launch the program and import your .stl file.
• Set Up the Slicing Parameters:
• Choose the material and thickness for your laser cutter.
• Define the cutting path, layer height, and other relevant settings to ensure the model fits the material's requirements.
• Generate 2D Patterns: Use Slicer's tools to create the 2D cuts. The software will slice the 3D model into flat layers that can be cut by the laser cutter.

• Export the 2D Files: Once the slices are prepared, export the 2D files as SVG or DXF files, which are commonly used for laser cutting.

Sometimes certain shapes may be highlighted in red — this usually means that no valid cutting areas were found. It’s related to extrusion cuts, so be careful if you’re only cutting unnecessary surfaces.

In Fusion 360, sliders marked in red often indicate a broken parametric reference in a sketch or an invalid parameter expression. To fix this, you’ll need to check the sketch for the broken parametric link or correct the invalid expression in the Parameters section.

Step 5: Prepare the Laser Cutter

• Upload the 2D Files: Transfer the SVG or DXF files to the software used to control the laser cutter . I used Smart Carve.

Smart Carve Laser Cutter Software

Smart Carve is software used to control laser cutting and engraving machines. It works as CAM/control software rather than a full design tool.

Main Functions

• Import design files (DXF, SVG, AI, BMP, etc.)
• Set laser parameters (power, speed, passes)
• Send the job directly to the laser cutter

Basic Workflow

1. Open Smart Carve
2. Import the design file
3. Position and scale the design
4. Set cutting or engraving parameters
5. Send the job to the machine and run it

Key Notes

• Used mainly for machine control, not for designing from scratch
• Designs are usually created in Illustrator, Inkscape, or CAD software
• Settings depend on the material and operation type

• Always test on scrap material first
• Set Up the Laser Cutter: Load the material you will use (e.g., wood, acrylic, etc.), and adjust the settings (power, speed) according to the material's specifications.
• Test Cut: Before starting the full cut, perform a test cut on a scrap piece of the material to ensure everything works as expected.

Step 6: Start the Laser Cutting Process

Once your test cut is successful, you can proceed to cut the entire model. Make sure to supervise the process to ensure everything goes smoothly.

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Tutorial: Using a Vernier Caliper to Measure Kerf and Tolerances in Laser Cutting

The Vernier caliper is a precision measuring tool used to verify dimensions with high accuracy. In this tutorial, I document how I used a Vernier caliper during the laser cutting process to measure kerf, adjust tolerances, and verify internal dimensions before final assembly.

This approach is essential for achieving accurate press-fit joints and consistent laser-cut parts.

Necessary Materials

• Vernier caliper (preferably stainless steel for durability and accuracy)
• Wood material
• Laser cutter
• Measuring tape (optional)
• Ruler (optional)

Measuring Kerf and Cut Accuracy Using a Vernier Caliper

To calibrate the laser cutter and compensate for material loss caused by the laser beam (kerf), I used the Vernier caliper to measure critical dimensions, including: - Material thickness - Kerf (cut width) - Cut depth - Distances between cuts

These measurements allowed me to adjust tolerances directly in the CAD design.

Measuring Kerf

To calculate the kerf produced by the laser cutter:

1. I designed and cut a test piece with known dimensions.
2. I measured the resulting internal and external dimensions using the Vernier caliper.
3. I compared the measured values with the original CAD dimensions.
4. The difference between the expected and measured dimensions was divided by two to obtain the kerf value.

This kerf value was then used to offset toolpaths or adjust parametric dimensions in the design.

Measuring Cut Depth

To measure the depth of a cut or slot:

1. Extend the depth-measuring rod of the Vernier caliper.
2. Insert the rod into the cut or slot until it reaches the bottom surface.
3. Ensure the flat base of the caliper rests flush on the top surface of the material.
4. Read both the main scale and the Vernier scale to obtain the exact depth measurement.

This step confirms that the laser cut fully penetrated the material and matches the design parameters.

Example:
10 mm (main scale) + 0.2 mm (Vernier scale) = 10.2 mm

Verifying Internal Dimensions and Tolerances

Before final cutting, I used the Vernier caliper to measure internal spaces and slots:

• I measured the width of slots intended for press-fit joints.
• I compared these values against the thickness of the mating parts.
• Based on the results, I adjusted tolerances in the CAD model to ensure a proper friction fit.

Ensuring Cut Accuracy

Throughout the laser cutting process, I repeatedly verified:

• Material thickness
• Kerf consistency
• Cut depth
• Distances between cuts

By continuously checking these parameters, I ensured dimensional consistency and reliable assembly.

Using the Vernier caliper as a calibration and verification tool allowed me to compensate for laser kerf, adjust tolerances accurately, and reduce material waste.

Final Tips

• Calibration: Always check that the Vernier caliper is properly calibrated before taking measurements, especially if you've made multiple cuts.
• Careful Handling: Treat the tool carefully to avoid damage, as a damaged Vernier caliper can affect the accuracy of measurements.
• Precision in Cutting: While the Vernier caliper is an accurate measuring tool, remember that the saw and other cutting tools also play a role in the precision of the work.

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Tutorial: How to Safely Operate and Power On a CFL CMA1080K Laser Machine

Required Safety Equipment

• Laser Safety Glasses: Suitable for the laser's wavelength (check the manual).
• Heat-Resistant Gloves: Optional, useful when handling freshly cut materials.
• Respiratory Protection Mask: To avoid inhaling toxic fumes when working with certain materials.
• Fire Extinguisher: Class ABC or equivalent, placed near the work area.
• Proper Ventilation: Extraction system or fans to remove fumes and smoke.

Safety Measures Before Use

Work Area

• Ensure the workspace is clean and free of flammable materials.
• Restrict access to unauthorized personnel.

Machine Inspection

• Check for visible damage to the laser head, mirrors, or power supply.
• Ensure the cooling system is functional.
• Inspect cables for any signs of wear or damage.

Material Preparation

• Confirm the material is safe for laser cutting (avoid PVC or materials that emit toxic gases).
• Place the material flat on the workbed.

Initial Test

Focus Adjustment

• Use the focusing tool (if available) to adjust the distance between the laser head and the material.

Test Cut/Engrave

• Set up a simple file in the software (e.g., a small square or circle).
• Adjust parameters such as speed, power, and frequency based on the material.
• Perform a test cut in a non-critical area of the material.

Shutting Down the Machine

• Turn off the laser using the main switch or key.
• Turn off the cooling system.
• Turn off the fume extractor.
• Close the software and shut down the computer if not in use.
• Clean the workspace and store leftover materials safely.

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Tools

References: - MakeHuman - Slicer - Rhino