Introduction
The course required groups to explore three different digital fabrication methods; 3D Printing, CNC Milling and Laser Cutting. The capabilities and limitations of each of these fabrication methods were explored by¨ learning by doing¨ through developing modular recursive geometries which could be stacked, put together and aggregated. The process helped to understand more about how to transition between a digital model and to produce physical results through these different fabrication methods. As a result, the stages to completing this introductory course gave us the opportunity, knowledge and experience to be able to decide what fabrication method is most applicable for future projects.
3D Printing
Two node variations were designed and fabricated to form a recursive rhomboid geometry. The process introduces these two nodes to create multiple aggregated iterations. When connected, these forms build a truss like structure that can be infinitely customized for its application.
// Technical
Material type: Z-ABS
Machine specifications: M200 plus
Layer thickness: 0,19 mm
Support type, angles and specifications: Automatic, 20°
Supports required: none
Infill type, percentage, & pattern: Normal, 50%, Pattern 0
Seam: Normal
Total number of nodes: 24 (2 node variations)
Total print time: 3hr 9m
Total material quantity: 6.36 (15g)
// Digital Exploration of Recursive Growth
// Final Recursive Geometry
CNC Milling
In this fabrication process, we worked on reducing the number of nodes required to fabricate a recursive geometry. Through this process, we tested abstract methods to achieve a single node based module that can be repeated. The playful aggregation promotes this idea that the form itself can grow and expand in all three dimensional directions.
// Technical
Material: Plywood 12mm
Machine: 2 Axis
Post Processor: T Rex
Workpiece volume: 200 cm x 200 cm x 200 cm
Total mill time: 20,76 minutes
Engraving, Pocketing and Outside Profiling:
Upcut Mill
Flute: 1
Diameter: 6 mm
Spindle Speed: 12000
Cut Direction: Upcut
Stepover distance: 70%
Stock: -0.1 mm
// Digital Exploration of Recursive Growth
// Final Recursive Geometry
Laser Cutting
In the laser cutting fabrication method, we explored a strategy that would use two nodes where one element would be more flexible and the other rigid. This when put together gave us flexible options to produce a recursive geometry. The process allowed us to expand on the idea of how a rigid and flexible combination could be applied to fabricate light weight and aggregated spatial dividers that could be used in expo/events.
// Technical
Machine: Rayjet 500
Joint type: Interlocking
Material: Polypropylene 0.5mm white opaque
Speed: 3.50
Power: 50
Total prints: 16 units
Material: Poplar plywood 4mm
Speed: 1.80
Power: 42
Total prints: 12 units
// Final Recursive Geometry
// Visualization of the Recursive Geometry
The visual representation shows how this recursive geometry can be repurposed as spatial dividers
Introduction to Digital Fabrication – Recursive Geometries is a project of IAAC, Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia developed at Master in Advanced Architecture in (2021) by:
Students: Emily Rackstraw, Mira Housen, Aaron Pereira
Faculty: Ricardo Mayor, Lana Awad, Shyam Francesco Zonca
