Vortex

For my final Design for Digital Fabrication project, I created a singular prototype for what I envision for Vortex.

In this prototype, audio-reactive LEDs driven by madMapper are embedded within an aluminum channel. This entire channel spins continuously via a NEMA23 motor mounted to a modular base, controlled by an Arduino.

Using Fusion360, I created a simulation of what 5 of these bars positioned in a pentagonal form would look like.

It was difficult purchasing perfectly mating parts for the mechanical connection between the LEDs to the motor. I purchased a 12mm shaft hub, a 1/2” ID slip ring, and a 1/4” coupler for the NEMA23. This called for a custom shaft, which Ben Light helped me make on the metal lathe. We started off with a 1” aluminum round stock, and very meticulously shaved it down to the appropriate widths for each component.

Thanks Ben Light for introducing me to the metal lathe to create the custom shaft for the Vortex.

Here is a quick time lapse of some manual fabrication necessary for the mechanical connections.

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Here is the Fusion360 rendering of the project.

This project was inspired by collectifscale’s project Flux.