Experimentations with digital manufacturing technologies: production of joint models and prototypes

Considering the process of democratization of digital fabrication and the growing culture of Do It Yourself (DIY), which allows small producers to create and sell their own products, this article aims to investigate the use of digital fabrication processes with additive technologies applied in the production of joint models and prototypes. The methodological procedures adopted in the research explore digital manufacturing technologies, parametric modeling software and conventional carpentry processes for the experimental production of geometric and organic connection elements for joining sheets and round wooden bars, applicable to models and prototypes. The results of this article are a set of 11 parametric joints, as well as an analysis of printing time, material use and efficiency in their production.