Blog Post #10: Fabricating for a Function, Part 2

Here are the designs for my table top towel rack. I am making it shorter than originally envisioned to make sure I stay within the limitations of the print beds of the printers at the Hub. If necessary I can scale them down further when I configure the print job. 

First I created a circle for the base with a diameter of 120 mm and a height of 20 mm. I added a small lip at the top of the base (visible in the second screenshot below which shows a close-up). This is so glasses, watches, and jewelry can be placed on it while bathing, without sliding off the base. I also filleted as many edges as I could do on the lip. Then I created a vertical post with a height of 150 mm and a diameter of 20 mm. I also filleted the joint between the base and post to make it smoother. 

I originally planned an S-shaped bar at the top, but decided to make crossbars instead. Each bar is 240 mm long with a diameter of 12 mm. I added sphere knobs at the ends of each bar with a diameter of 20 mm.

One of the challenging aspects was finding all of the edges of the lip to fillet them. Also, there didn't appear to be a tool where I could easily create the S-shape with geometric precision which contributed to me brainstorming for other design ideas that would be more feasible. However, I am happy with the design I eventually evolved to, and I look forward to seeing it printed. 

Here is a rendered picture of what it will look like, although I can't guarantee what color it will actually be printed in.