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3. Circular Open Source Fashion

Research & Ideation

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Modular Fashion involves creating clothing that can be easily reconfigured or adapted, allowing for versatility and longevity. This approach minimizes waste by encouraging the use of fewer pieces to create multiple looks.

on the other hand, refer to fabrics and production techniques designed to leave no waste during the design and manufacturing process. This can include using patterns that fit together perfectly to maximize fabric usage or repurposing scraps into new items.

By learning these techniques, you're not just improving your design skills but also contributing to a more sustainable fashion industry. It's all about making the most of what we have while reducing our environmental impact!

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References & Inspiration

I used AI with MidJourney to visualize my idea by describing what I had in mind, and it provided me with many options to choose from.

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Tools

Process and workflow

prototyping

prototyping with paper

I started working on my first prototype with paper to test the idea, see how the interlocking mechanism will function, and how the pieces will fit together.

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moving to Fusion 360

Then, I moved to Fusion 360 to create my 3D design using basic sketch tools such as Line and Arc.

then I export the file as

To export the file for laser cutting, first go to Export and select Save as DXF. Then, open the file with Rhino.

In Rhino, choose the following settings:
- Line Type: Continuous
- Print Width: Hairline

Laser cut

I uded this setteng to cut the felt on the laser cut machine

POWER: 70

SPEED: 2

PP/Hz: 10000

Finally I can see a result !!

The problem was that the rounded shape on both sides of the grey piece was not the best choice for the hat.

I realized that to improve the design and make it fit better on the head, the sides should be straight instead.

SO I DECIDE TO change it to straight cut

Process & workflow

Go back to Fusion 360

I started editing the design to make the cut straight instead, and I designed the top with pieces that connect to it, allowing them to attach to the male pieces. For the top of the hat, I used the polygon tool to create the design.

How to Export the file for cutting on the laser machine ?

Export--> Sace as DXF

Then we open the file with Rhino and we choose

Line Tybe : Continuous

Print Width : Hairline The cut of the sides was amazing, but a good thing to note is that my mistake was with the top piece, as it resulted in a lot of wasted material.

Here, I faced another problem: the cut on the sides had a big gap when I assembled it. I need to adjust the size of the gap, so I have to fix the size of the hole.

I fixed them on RHINO !

You can see the X shapes I created. I cut two sizes of them, and the X shapes are included in the fabrication file. They make a gap between the pieces. However, if you prefer this kind of gap, you can still use them.

And I got the best shape for the circular modular hat! For the laser cut settings, I used the same settings as before.

Here I start adjust the pieces I am going to interlock it with the hat - making sure I got the cut and engrave efect in different colors.

This materials was found as waste** in our lab, so I decided to reuse it for my project!

Here you can see all the material I used with different effects

Laser Settings

Material Operation Power (%) Speed PPI/Hz
1&2&6 Felt Cut 70 5.00 1000
Engrave 5 2.00 10000
3&5 Velvet Cut 90 4.50 1000
Engrave 40 10.00 10000
4Denim Cut 70 5.00 1000
Engrave 70 10.00 10000

the process of lock all the pieces together took around 5 hours !!

I wan fasciniting by seeing the inside view of the hat

Final result

and this is the final look for the hat !!

Fabrication files

  1. File: Hat ↩