Description
Leather bands are durable, flexible and relate well with the retro yet futuristic ‘steam-punk’ styles of the Time Tremors transmedia media property, which provides one of the primary foundations for the MGDS-PET project. Leather also has some inherent qualities such that it can be easily laser-cut and patterned, can be moulded to cover various shapes and is comfortable to the touch.
The leather band explorations were done using laser cutting for a precise finish and embossing for decoration. Brown leather was used to adhere to the Time Tremors/Steampunk aesthetic. Initial attempts were simple bands based on earlier felt models. These consisted of a plain strap with a flap sewn onto the top with conductive thread stitching. The thread would allow for the circuit to be completed and for power to flow from the Arduino on the lower level to the beads on top. Laser cut holes were incorporated to accommodate snaps and stitching.
Design and Research Questions
- Would a band made from leather be stronger than another material?
- Would leather be an stylistically appropriate material within the Steampunk/Time Tremors aesthetic?
- Does laser cutting provide an affordable option for cutting and decoration, with the necessary precision, for a commercially viable prototype?
Components
- Laser cut leather
- Conductive thread
Discussion
Laser cutting the leather proved to be a good decision as it provided clean and precise edges that would not have been achieved with hand cutting. Cutting the leather was quick and turn-around time for prototype realization was shorter than if it was made by hand. Having the stitching holes laser cut was also helpful as it meant that specialized leather working tools were not required and a regular needle could be used to sew the pieces together.
Conductive thread stitching was not tested as shortly after this prototype was made the design for the band and incorporated electronics changed.