In this project, I created an algorithm that generated a design to build a laser cut box. This program allowed a user to input dimensions of a laser cut box, and the program would output a box design, complete with fastening points and other design elements. I used a laser printer on acrylic sheets to print and test prototypes of this parametrically designed box.
Given almost any length or width input, my program automatically generates a box of a certain predetermined structure. The novelty of this program is that the design is fluid and scales, shifts, and reorients according to the inputs. The locations of the tabs, screw holes, and other variables are correlated with a number of mathematical relations. These hand calculations can be found in Appendix III. One example of an overarching mathematical design relation is that the width of the box sides are equal to the length of the material divided by 4.
In my box generator code, I designed it so that almost any length and width dimension inputs of a pre-cut material would generate a structurally sound box. The only inputs required for this program are length and width. The screw length, lid hole diameter, and other parameters are static.
Ultimately, this project demonstrated the viability of parametric product design. This software would be especially useful on online stores, as specific customer needs could be easily met through this algorithm. This algorithm and other systems like it allow for an efficient economy of scope style business compared to traditional economy of scale business models.
