What we did:We designed and implemented CaMea, a graphical user interface that utilizes a camera to support users in measuring workpieces inside a computer numerically controlled milling machine.
What we found:We found that users completed tasks in CaMea significantly faster and with fewer errors compared to traditional numerical interfaces, demonstrating its effectiveness for both novice and expert users.
Takeaway:Our research contributes to the improvement of user experience in CNC machining, emphasizing the need for more intuitive interfaces to enhance usability for non-expert users in fabrication environments.
Abstract
We are experiencing a trend of personal fabrication that allows non-experts to produce highly individualized objects. Beyond 3D printing, this maker movement also approaches larger-scale production machines such as computer numerically controlled (CNC) milling machines that are available in local fabrication laboratories (FabLabs). While the user interfaces and interaction techniques of small-scale 3D printers for household use adapted to the new requirements of non-experts in the last years, such an overhaul of the interfaces for larger machinery is still missing. In this work, we explore the use of augmented reality methods to support novice users in the operation of CNC milling machines. As a first step towards better support for users, we provide a camera-supported graphical and easy-to-use interface for the measurement of raw workpieces inside the machine. In this paper, we contribute our concept CaMea alongside its’ prototype implementation. We further report on the findings of a first early user study.
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We built TrackItPipe, a fabrication pipeline that allows users to semi-automatically integrate location and rotation tracking capabilities into 3D printed objects.
