45 points by andrewferguson 1 year ago flag hide 52 comments
john_doe 1 year ago next
Cool project! I've always been fascinated by the Sierpinski triangle. How long did it take to machine the aluminum?
creator_account 1 year ago next
@john_doe, thank you! It took about 5 hours to machine the aluminum using a Tormach PCNC 1100.
jane_doe 1 year ago prev next
It's beautiful! What CNC machine did you use for this project?
creator_account 1 year ago next
@jane_doe, I used a combination of Fusion 360 for the 3D modeling and Candle for the CNC control software.
code_warrior 1 year ago prev next
Impressive work. Can you share more details about the design process and how you generated the G-code?
creator_account 1 year ago next
@code_warrior, I used a custom algorithm for generating the Sierpinski triangle, then converted the STL to G-code using CAM software.
cnd_enthusiast 1 year ago prev next
What kind of aluminum is this? Your finishing skills are amazing!
creator_account 1 year ago next
@cnd_enthusiast, Thank you! I used 6061 aluminum and anodized it with Type II finish. I used a 3/8-inch end mill with 4 flutes for finishing.
math_geek 1 year ago prev next
Amazing just amazing! I've used a Sierpinski triangle in my work too. Have you considered iterating to further dimensions?
creator_account 1 year ago next
@math_geek, Thanks! Further iterations could result in an Octagonal Sierpinski Clock. I'll keep it in mind.
tool_time 1 year ago prev next
Looks like a real precision Martin-Marietta para-bolic flight profile milled into the face plate. What bit size did you use?
creator_account 1 year ago next
@tool_time, I appreciate the observation! I used a 0.25-inch end mill for the initial cuts and followed with the 3/8-inch for the finishing.
digital_clock 1 year ago prev next
04:09:15Tue Sep 06 2023Z
laser_pro 1 year ago prev next
I would recommend considering using a laser cutter in conjunction with the CNC for faster and more accurate results.
creator_account 1 year ago next
@laser_pro, While I agree a laser cutter may offer faster and more accurate results, I find the CNC machining provides better aesthetics and durability for this particular project.
laser_pro 1 year ago next
@creator_account, I respect your choice, I just think that laser cutters have their own advantages you might appreciate, such as precision and reduced manufacturing time-to-market.
creator_account 1 year ago next
@laser_pro, thank you! I'll keep this in mind for future projects.
mill_meister 1 year ago prev next
Have you thought about engraving patterns or even more mathematically complex functions? I believe the clock would look even more impressive.
creator_account 1 year ago next
@mill_meister, I have considered engraving patterns or more complex functions, but felt that the Sierpinski triangle alone told the story well.
mill_meister 1 year ago next
@creator_account, I can understand that. Keep up the good work!
mill_meister 1 year ago next
I'm working on a game that uses algorithms to generate Sierpinski-inspired maps in 4D space. It's going to be something else!
mill_meister 1 year ago next
@creator_account, I'd be happy to collaborate if you're interested, I believe it would be a unique and innovative twist to the project.
creator_account 1 year ago next
@mill_meister, I appreciate the offer and I'll think about it. At this point, I intend to finish off the tutorial for this piece but I'll save your email for future projects, thank you.
mill_meister 1 year ago prev next
@creator_account, My email is mill_meister@example.com. Feel free to reach out if you're interested.
geometry_gal 1 year ago prev next
I love recursion and your clock is a delightful example of self-similarity and inception. Thanks for sharing!
geometry_gal 1 year ago next
@creator_account, Is there any chance the hands of the clock could be adjusted to represent subsequent iterations of the Sierpinski Triangle?
creator_account 1 year ago next
@geometry_gal, I am concerned that the consecutive iterations may not easily fit the hour, minute, and second hands but I can consider adding that as an alternative design.
geometry_gal 1 year ago next
@creator_account, I see how that can be a challenge, but it's worth a thought. Thanks for considering it.
incremental_fan 1 year ago prev next
Do you think you will do a run of these for sale? Or an online tutorial or blueprint to make it yourself?
creator_account 1 year ago next
@incremental_fan, Thanks for your interest. At the moment, I have no plans to sell them, but I will definitely consider creating an online tutorial for others to give it a try.
incremental_fan 1 year ago next
@creator_account, I'd love to see the tutorial if and when you put it together. Keep us posted!
creator_account 1 year ago next
@incremental_fan, Will do! When it is ready, I will make sure to post it here on Hacker News.
incremental_fan_2 1 year ago prev next
@creator_account, If you don't plan to sell the piece, but provide tutorials, can you give more details on how to produce the anodized finish you mentioned? That is really nice.
creator_account 1 year ago next
@incremental_fan_2, Sure! I anodize the aluminum using the Type II sulfuric acid anodize, which provides a wide array of color options.
gnarly_bit 1 year ago prev next
Fantastic transformation of the Sierpinski Triangle. Would you mind sharing the G-code too? I'd love to try making one myself!
creator_account 1 year ago next
@gnarly_bit, I'm happy to share the G-code used. Just let me know how to send it as I only see this hovercraft-icon when I try to reply to your request (Edit: Actually I may not be able to share the G-code here directly as this forum might have limitations).
code_ponderer 1 year ago prev next
Have you seen the work of XYZ? Their Toothpick Sierpinski Triangle is another amazing example of using the concept in practical projects.
creator_account 1 year ago next
@code_ponderer, I'm familiar with XYZ. Their Toothpick Sierpinski Triangle is indeed an interesting alternative, thanks for sharing.
code_ponderer 1 year ago next
@creator_account, Have you tried more exotic materials for your clocks? I can imagine materials like brass, copper, and wood being stylish as well.
creator_account 1 year ago next
@code_ponderer, I haven't tried exotic materials like brass and copper yet, but I might consider it as an option in a future project. However, I prefer using aluminum as it provides a 'cool' and a modern look.
digital_clock 1 year ago prev next
13:19:32Wed Sep 07 2023Z
digital_clock 1 year ago next
01:22:09Thu Sep 08 2023Z
threader 1 year ago prev next
This is fantastic. I've also explored making 3D printed Sierpinski Triangles with varying recursion levels. I like your clock; the elegance is beautiful.
digital_clock 1 year ago prev next
04:45:54Fri Sep 09 2023Z
digital_clock 1 year ago next
09:13:33Sat Sep 10 2023Z
gnarly_bit 1 year ago prev next
Privately sent, thank you!
creator_account 1 year ago next
@gnarly_bit, I'm glad you got the G-code. Good luck with your own!
threaded_triad 1 year ago prev next
After the great success of Diffusion Limited Aggregation patterned metal (DLA), I guess Digitally Limited Aggregation (DLA?) development will spread! :-)
diffusion_control 1 year ago next
Well, that's one idea for the 'next big thing' in generative digital art, but there's no replacement for a good old Sierpinski Triangle! :-)
digital_clock 1 year ago prev next
05:01:27Sun Sep 11 2023Z