shape_shift
ROLE: Computational Designer + Material Researcher for Thesis
APPLICATION: Adaptive Structures (Formwork, Facades, Gear)
MATERIALS/METHODS: Biobased Hygroscopic Filaments, Axolotl+Grasshopper, Custom GCode
INNOVATION: Zero-energy, self-shaping monomaterial structures
APPLICATION: Adaptive Structures (Formwork, Facades, Gear)
MATERIALS/METHODS: Biobased Hygroscopic Filaments, Axolotl+Grasshopper, Custom GCode
INNOVATION: Zero-energy, self-shaping monomaterial structures
MULTI-STEP SECTIONAL 4D PRINTING
Imagine materials that can bend, expand, or change shape automatically, without motors, batteries or electronics. By combining 3D printed geometries with humidity-responsive materials, we have created a new method of 4D printed metamaterials that physically adapt to moisture.
Imagine materials that can bend, expand, or change shape automatically, without motors, batteries or electronics. By combining 3D printed geometries with humidity-responsive materials, we have created a new method of 4D printed metamaterials that physically adapt to moisture.
A NOVEL PRINTING METHOD
MS4DP involves printing on multiple faces of an object to allow for multiple directions of expansion and shape change.
Step 1: Print active geometries in the z-direction.
Step 2-3: Rotate active geometry to print along the layers. Flip and print on other side if needed.
Printing Active Geometries: Active geometries expand upward in the z-direction, between the layers of deposited material.
Printing Restrictive Geometries: Restrictive lines are printed across the active layers. This constrains the upward expansion of active geometries, creating curvature. Restrictive geometries can be printed on different faces of the active geometry, causing multi-axis curvature.
Printing Restrictive Geometries: Restrictive lines are printed across the active layers. This constrains the upward expansion of active geometries, creating curvature. Restrictive geometries can be printed on different faces of the active geometry, causing multi-axis curvature.
COMPUTATIONAL WORKFLOWS
Through computational design workflows, designers can play with geometric and fabrication parameters to program desired responses (cell size, sectional geometry, period length, dimensions, layer lines, coverage amount, etc).
3D Gyroid Lattice: High surface area enables fast moisture absorption allowing thicker, porous structures to shape themselves quickly with increased structural capacity
Smart Sectional Slicing: Slicing gyroid geometries at specific points creates a collection of patterns with different characteristics (directional expansion/contraction and flexibility).
Smart Sectional Slicing: Slicing gyroid geometries at specific points creates a collection of patterns with different characteristics (directional expansion/contraction and flexibility).
Computational Design: Using the Axolotl plug-in within the Grasshopper environment, sectional patterns can be stacked, blended, scaled, and spliced together with restrictive line geometries to create distinct programmed behaviors.
Custom GCode: A custom slicer using Python and Grasshopper helps translate the complex geometries into multi-step print instructions for desktop 3D printing.
Custom GCode: A custom slicer using Python and Grasshopper helps translate the complex geometries into multi-step print instructions for desktop 3D printing.
BUILDING FROM FUNDAMENTALS.
We created a systematic R&D pipelines, scaling from fundamental material testing, building a library of shaping behaviors through parameter testing of bending units, and developing global geometries with multi-axis curvature. Samples scaled from 5x5x5 cm cubes to 200x200x13mm final demonstrators.
While currently at a foundational R&D stage, this computational design system establishes a scalable framework for passive metamaterials. Future research should focus on robust material systems, developing mechanical locking systems to hold shapes permanently when dry, and testing cyclic repeatability across repeated wet/dry transtitions.
Adaptive Building Facades: Louvers and panels that curve open for ventilation or seal shut for insulation as rain and humidity shifts.
Dynamic Formwork: Temporary construction molds that autonomously transform during setting to form complex concrete or resin shapes with minimal labor or formwork.
Self-Shaping Furniture: Flat-packed, lightweight compoennets that self-assembly into ergonomic 3D geometries upon activation on site.
Self-Shaping Furniture: Flat-packed, lightweight compoennets that self-assembly into ergonomic 3D geometries upon activation on site.
This project was conducted alongside Bryan Martino and Qu Wan for the ITECH Masters Thesis at the University of Stuttgart.