Critical Making Class
Parametric Systems
3D Printing on Fabric
This semester, in Parametric Product Design class, we’ve been exploring patterns in both 2D and 3D, and their application in milling, laser cutting and 3D printing. To prepare our patterns, we use Grasshopper, an extension of Rhino -a CAD tool- before exporting it into the application of choice.
Concepting
This week, we are asked to make a parametric system, in which we begin the workflow in Grasshopper, where we make algorithmic equations (as above) which translate into a 3D visual. After manipulating the image with number sliders to get the rendition we want, we “bake” the image. That is, we use the bake command to combine an image’s “textures and decals into a single image file and assign that image as the object’s texture”, says Mcneel.com. In sum, we move from Grasshopper into Rhino (see below)
The practice pipes give me an understanding of the possible shapes and manipulations: slim, thick, spiral, rectangular, polygonal and elliptical. Other tutorials show many, many more options.
My goal is to print one of these pipes on fabric. In fact, on fabric is not quite it. I want the pipe to appear to pass through the fabric.
This requires more thinking: for the pipe to be printed in a 3D space it will need supports so it doesn’t crumble mid-print. Here I turn to Cura, a tool that prepares a 3D rendering into a file that the 3D printer can read. It turns my STL file into G-CODE and tells the printer which pathway to take to lay down the plastic filament.
And if I want this pipe to appear to pass through a piece of fabric, I will need to pause the print job mid-way and overlay fabric before resuming. More thinking required: for the print to adhere on fabric that is taught, I will need to clamp the fabric in place. And ideally the fabric should be in line with the level of the print in progress. So my instructor suggests adding blocks parallel to the pipe on which to attach the clamps.
Still more thinking: the blocks need to be at the dimensions of the print bed, so that they can be as close as possible to the edges to allow for clamping. My instructor sends me a template.
We also talk about removing or making new side walls for the Ultimaker 3 printer, such that ultimately, a long piece of fabric could pass through one side to the other.
Printing
Short answer, it failed.
Last term, I printed on tulle or mesh, as blogs suggest it as an ideal material. In my early attempts, it shrunk and warped due to the heat of the printplate and the melted filament. This time, I used a coarse cotton. But as predicted, it didn’t adhere well.
I also found that I couldn’t clamp the fabric down in all four corners. I could only manage the front.
My ultimate goal for my final project is to make an installation which hangs from the ceiling, shows multiple pipes weaving in and out of fabric, and can be viewed from both sides. But there’s a long road ahead. I anticipate this will take hours of printing, lots of creative thinking, troubleshooting and much of my instructors precious time.
Let’s see where this goes….
