Rad Sky Lab – From Parametrics to Physical

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For the past couple of weeks Su and I have stepped away from our usual purely digital workflow and started setting up a new physical workspace in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa.

After five years in planning, we’ve finally taken possession of the building and begun the strip-down and refit.

The goal is to create a proper digital-to-physical lab:

  • Rhino + Grasshopper-driven design

  • Toolpath generation

  • CNC manufacturing

  • Composite tooling

  • Rapid prototyping

The idea is simple: close the loop between parametric design and material output.

A lot of what we do in Rhino/Grasshopper ultimately ends up as tooling board, foam, carbon, timber or aluminium — so having full control of the physical environment is the next logical step.

The space is very much in transition (photo attached), but the CNC machine and vacuum vacuum hold down pump are already going in.

Looking forward to sharing some real-world feedback from running Grasshopper-driven workflows directly into production.

Cheers,

DK

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Three spindles, lets see more

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Nice spotting @Craig3

The CNC machine is what I’m calling a “Barn Find” has been. Sitting un-used in a Johannesburg workshop for 10 years.

In that time the original PC based control system has gone missing. So a “Retro-mod” YouTube series is coming as I repower it with a modern control system.

The three spindles is unique, but I was actually already looking at buying a new machine with that exact setup when this barn find came up for sale.

Best way to think of it is as a tool changer, where you swap spindles instead of just the tool

Cheers

DK

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Is that changing process automated?

Good luck with new venture. Looking forward to seeing how it grows.

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Yes, the control system I’ve got coming can control the spindle change over along with the require axis offsets. The machine has air solenoids and contactors to handle the electrical and mechanical side of the change.

Cheers

DK

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First videos are live on the channel:

Cheers

DK