KITCHEN SCALE PROTOTYPE

Self Initiated Make & Learn

2019
Status Finished
Role Everything Lead

Make & Learn

While my internship at Nokia, I set out to understand what it really takes to build a product from scratch. I chose a kitchen scale as a case study. I purchased a generic kitchen scale, took it apart, and used its internal components as the foundation for my own design. The goal was not just to redesign the object, but to learn through making.

While interning at Nokia, I set out to understand what it really takes to build a product from scratch. I chose a kitchen scale as a case study. I ordered a simple scale, took it apart, and used its internal components as the foundation for my own design.

The goal was not just to redesign the object, but to learn through making. I wanted to explore CNC machining in aluminum, experiment with achieving a true mirror-polished finish, and understand how individual parts come together into a functioning product.

While interning at Nokia, I set out to understand what it really takes to build a product from scratch. I chose a kitchen scale as a case study. I ordered a simple scale, took it apart, and used its internal components as the foundation for my own design. The goal was not just to redesign the object, but to learn through making. I wanted to explore CNC machining in aluminum, experiment with achieving a true mirror-polished finish, and understand how individual parts come together into a functioning product.

Material & Finsih Studies

Throughout the process, I continuously tested materials and surface treatments to achieve the desired look and performance. For the acrylic top, I explored laser engraving, sandblasting, and sanding to create a matte, more scratch-resistant surface. While each method altered the finish, none delivered the clarity and quality I was aiming for. Ultimately, I chose a glossy surface balancing durability with improved display readability.

Aluminum Machining

The bottom half of the scale is machined from aluminum. A key objective of the project was to learn how to work with this material hands-on understanding not just the design, but the process behind making it. Programming and setting up the CNC machine became an essential part of that journey, offering valuable insight into machining constraints, toolpaths, and the translation from digital model to physical part.

Refining the Surface

Refining the Surface

Creating a true mirror finish on the aluminum surface proved to be one of the more challenging aspects of the project. The relatively soft aluminum made it difficult to achieve a consistent, high quality finish without introducing imperfections. I explored a range of techniques from progressive sanding and polishing to different surface treatments iterating until the desired result was reached. At the same time, the limitations of the CNC process became apparent, as visible tool paths had to be carefully removed through post-processing.

Creating a true mirror finish on the aluminum surface proved to be one of the more challenging aspects of the project. The relatively soft aluminum made it difficult to achieve a consistent, high-quality finish without introducing imperfections. I explored a range of techniques from progressive sanding and polishing to different surface treatments iterating until the desired result was reached. At the same time, the limitations of the CNC process became apparent, as visible tool paths had to be carefully removed through post-processing.

Final Assembly

Final Assembly

The internal structure was built using 3D-printed components, designed to precisely locate and secure all parts from the original scale. These custom parts integrate the necessary features to hold the electronics in place and align them within the new enclosure. To make everything work within the redesigned form, parts of the electronics had to be resoldered and rewired. Threads were cut directly into the aluminum housing, allowing all internal components to be securely assembled without introducing external fasteners.

This final stage brought together all elements of the project: mechanical, electrical, and material into a fully functioning product.

The internal structure was built using 3D-printed components, designed to precisely locate and secure all parts from the original scale. These custom parts integrate the necessary features to hold the electronics in place and align them within the new enclosure. To make everything work within the redesigned form, parts of the electronics had to be resoldered and rewired. Threads were cut directly into the aluminum housing, allowing all internal components to be securely assembled without introducing external fasteners. This final stage brought together all elements of the project: mechanical, electrical, and material into a fully functioning product.