Master in Advanced Architecture 2011/2012
The aim of this project was the exploration of the advantages of the FDM printing as a fabrication technique. For this exercise, it was developed a set of prototypes of joints for a mechanical assembly. The concept pursued was to give the structure the capacity to change in length. The design of the joints gave the final piece the ability to expand and retract. Basically there were used three variations of the same joint for the structure.
This project was developed to explore the CNC milling processes through different digital designs, materials and tools. The material selected was the Valchromat (595 x 395 x 24) mm. For this exercise it was studied the design possibilities between Rhino and Rhino CAM in order to calibrate them with the milling machine. The concept used for the Valchromat, was to create soft curves that allows the interaction between the layers of the board.
Techniques
Horizontal Roughing: 26mm ball tool, 25 min
Parallel finish: 6mm ball tool,25 min
Description:
To create a paper lamp by folding technique and using the folding feature to join the start and end of a single sheet of paper.
Materials:
Paper, being a delicate yet versatile material to use, needed experimentation in terms of playing with various thickness, surface texture and types. We used wrapping paper, glossy magazine sheet, newspaper, and paper cardboard in various thicknesses.
Geometrical Manipulations:
Initially we experimented with various origami techniques to understand the folding parameters required for paper. The valley fold, Paper chains etc. The idea, along with folding a single sheet of paper, was to use the optimum thickness of paper and type to get the desired form. Technique used that result in an organic form by itself.
Detailing/process:
- Use the 120gms thickness of cardboard paper, size; 750x500mm
- Using rhino make a grid of 1cm by 1cm in an area of 600x600mm.
- Engrave the grid by using laser cutting machine, giving the cutting in specific grids for joining details
- Start folding using the numbers.
- The paper will turn inside because of the several folds resulting in the desired form.
- Turn the end of paper that is cut and fix in the desired grod chosen for the joining of both ends.
- Place the light holder in the middle and…
- Voila!
The concept behind this investigation was to design a joint that was capable of a number of different motions; rolling, rotation, and expanding. These motions are further articulated when these individual units are connected to create a linear system. Each unit has a rotation limit of 355 degrees, which creates an interesting spiral effect once the system is fully expanded. As the units begin to rotate out, they consequentially expand in length by only 3 millimeters before the unit reaches its maximum expansion limit.
The joints are printed as a connected system and vary in terms of certain parameters. The differences in the arm widths allow for the connection between the joints have varying articulations. As the width of the openings get thicker, the joining of the two units becomes less visible, and at a certain point, becomes flush with the arm. As the width of the opening gets thinner, the connection between the two units becomes more visible and more flexible in terms of disassembly. The second parameter is the variation within the arm length, which creates a secondary visual motion through the implied undulating edges.
Project description:
The geometry of Valchromat panel is generated in order to experiment with the CNC Milling Machine. The aim is to define the CNC milling machine as form-generator. The result should be quick and easy. The starting point was to establish borders in the XY-plane to then extrude the area in the plane z. Creates topographic curves to see the different levels of the panel merged and not separated. Once defined the first geometry, we overlap ribs of 4 mm thick. The resulting geometry is a panel with organic cuts with overlapping ribs that will allow the passage of the tool by different axes. The toll used is the ball-mill tool of 12 mm.
Phase one:
Type: Parallel finishing
Tool: Ball-mill 12 mm
Time: 45 min
