INFINITE VOXELS| Portfolio |3D PRINTING |2016-2017

RESEARCH CLUSTER 4, GILLES RETSIN, MANUEL JIMENEZ, VICENTE SOLER INTILE:W Chao Jiang, Andrés González Molino, Zhixin Sun

UCL, The Bartlett School of Architecture

CONTENTS

01 INTRODUCTION

01. Architecture in the Digital Age 02. 3D printing at Architectural Scale 03. Project Overview

04. Spatial printing and robotic assembly

03 MATERIAL RESEARCH

8 10 12 14

02 TILE DESIGN

01. First geometry approach 02. Second geometry approach 03. Thrid geometry approach

18 22 26

01. Comparison of materials

34

04 TOOLPATH

01. Introduction 02. Toolpath in voxels 03. Infinite voxels with toolpath 04. Toolpath in tiles 05. B-Pro Prototype 06. Interlocking Research 07. Research case 1 08. Research case

40 42 46 50 56 60 62 64

05 FABRICATION

06 COMPUTATION

01. 1st generation tool 70 02. 72 2nd generation tool 03. 74 Cooling system 04. 76 Assembly parts 05. 78 Electronic components 06. 80 Nozzle design 07. 82 Work environment 08. 84 Initial tests 09. 88 Inhabitability at architectural scale 10. 90 Digital composite building block 11. 96 Printing process 12. 100 Prototypes 13. 104 Aggregations

01. Infinite loop 02. Infinite voxels random aggregation 03. Infinite voxels aggregation in rules

110 122 124

07 ROBOTIC ASSEMBLY

01. Pick&place research 02. Fabrication and robotic assembly research 03. Gripper design and picking points 04. Pick and place environment design 05. Pick and place process

148 150 152 154 156

08 ARCHITECTURAL SPECULATION

01. Architectural approaches 02. First domino approach 03. Enclosing system 04. Second domino approach

160 162 170 176

01 Introduction

01 INTRODUCTION

01. architecture in the digital age

This project research presents some concepts and an

tion projects. Automation has solved similar problems

initial investigation of a novel 3D printing method based

in the automotive and aerospace industry, which is why

on a technique using PLA filament as the main mate-

INTILE suggest that we should change the way we are

rial. The project is aiming to achieve a new fabrication

designing and constructing architecture. However, the

technique (3D spatial printing) wich could achieve a

building construction industry is mainly based on man-

direct link between design and fabrication processes.

ual tasks. The few attempts to introduce automation in

Since the 1960s the architecture industry has experi-

construction have mainly focused on automating what

enced an incredible revolution with the emergence of

was previously manual work (e.g., use of a brick laying

computers. However, the digital revolution has not af-

robot) without introducing any new fabrication method.

fected the construction process the same way as it has the design process, where this revolution has mainly

Nowadays, design and construction are developing

focused on the industry and serial production rather

in parallel without any direct connection between the

than construction design. The digital revolution has

processes. Our argument is that if we are aiming to im-

mainly focused on the standardized processes instead

prove the current situation (cost, speed, reduce manu-

of the construction process. According to Mario Carpo,

al labour, design freedom) both processes should be

we are now designing digitally: “It is not about design-

developed while still maintaining a direct link between

ing a building using digital tools, but rather to design

them. 3D printing is a construction method where de-

a building that could not have been either designed or

sign and fabrication are directly linked. This kind of

built without them� (2013,46).

technology can be applied to any scale from desktop models to full scale building construction. The model-

According to Warszawski and Navon (1998), the con-

ling in a small scale is typical application today, while

struction industry is presently facing several problems

large scale construction with 3D printing is more spec-

such as high cost, low quality production, health risks

ulative.

and safety issues, as well as poor control of construc-

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automotive manufacturing

construction industry

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01 INTRODUCTION

02. 3D printing at architectural scale

During the last few years, Additive Manufacturing tech-

ly focused on the design and not on the fabrication.

nologies have been applied on an architectural scale.

Large Scale 3D printing is normally associated with

INTILE aims to achieve large scale 3D printing where

the engineer Behrokh Khoshnevis’ who created the

both the fabrication and the design method directly

Contour Crafting method. This method is based on

work together and develop at the same time.

the continuous deposition of material layer by layer; the material used is concrete. However, there is anoth-

According to Branko Kolarevic, the ability of Additive

er approach to introduce AM on a large architectural

Manufacturing to produce customized pieces without

scale, 3D printing canal house in Amsterdam.

any extra cost has delivered the concept of mass-customization instead of mass-production. Peter Zellner

The first approach to 3D Spatial printing was carried

(1999) argues that this would lead to, “series-manufac-

out by Gramazio and Kohler’s at the Future Cities Lab-

tured, mathematically coherent but differentiated ob-

oratory in Singapore where they introduced the idea of

jects, as well as elaborate, precise and relatively cheap

spatial plastic extrusion and a robotic arm. This new

one-off components” (1999, 46), which implies that ar-

technology allows for the reduction of the amount of

chitecture is becoming a “firmware”.

material needed to create a structure. Additionally, this fabrication process is slightly faster than the ‘layer by

Nowadays, the 3D printing of houses is a field

layer’ method.

of experimentation and innovation. There are very few projects that are being developed in this field and an

The main constraints of this research are that it is main-

understanding of the research would be useful in order

ly focused on the fabrication process and the design

to analyse them in a briefly way.

process is not taken into consideration. On the other hand, the research undertaken at the ETH by Benjamin Dillengurger and Michael Hansmeyer (figure 2) is main

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Contour Crafting by Behrokh

3D printing canal house by DUS architects

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01 INTRODUCTION

03. project overview

digital composite building block

toolpath development

architectural speculation (domino house)

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material optimization

assembly (on site)

shipping (extruder+robot)

geometrical optimization

computation

fabrication (on site)

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01 INTRODUCTION

04.spatial printing and robotic assembly

3D PRINTING RESEARCH

The project uses additive manufacturing, such as plastic extrusion, to materialize designs based on discrete design principles. This might seem antithetical, but even though the design space is constrained to a discrete set, it’s still large enough that fabrication methods used for serialization are less efficient and cost effective.

The spatial extrusion fabrication method allows architects to create lighter, more efficient forms without any material waste. This process by itself does not allow for the creation of inhabitable spaces as it can’t full fill all necessary conditions such as insolation, waterproofing, acoustic protection and so on. InfiniteVoxels uses a hybrid approach that combines the advantages of spatial extrusion with other materials and methods, such as machined polystyrene. We can create a catalogue of blocks that can avoids the habitability problem commonly found in digital architecture.

The rise of 3D printing has delivered the concept of mass-customization instead of mass-production.

We propose an alternative way to achieve masscustomization by allowing a large, but not infinite set of possible design variations. The voxel can be analog to a cell. The polymerization of these cells creates solid units. Each voxel can store unique digital information, such as spatial and material properties. Through a combinatorial logic, the position, volume, and geometry of the materials in the whole structure is customized.

Mesh Mould (-) 1 scale aggregation repetitive

2010-2012

Filamentrics (+) customize line

2013-2014

Curvoxels (+) serial repetitions multiple scales

2014-2015

Voxatile (+) pellets extruder

2015-2016

(+) multiple scales pellets extruder (future) tile into tile InfiniteVoxels 14

ASSEMBLY

FABRICATION

Self-assembly

Discrete

INT

(+) customize line

Self assebmly lab (MIT)

INTILE Voxatile

2013

INTILE

Digital Matter

Lego

Curvoxels

1932

Continuous

Manual

continuous fabrication + discrete assembly

Interlocking by toolpath geometry

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1. Geometry Research1

2 . Geometry Research2

3. Geometry Research3

02 Tile Design

02 TILE DESIGN

01.first geometry research

The Research of Geometry Starting with the first and the most fundamental geometry, which is formed by connecting the ends of four square grids.

The transition from 2D geometry to 3D geometry involves a simple extrusion method. The most intuitive expression of this geometry is to have a strong regularity in Morphological characteristics, This means,it is a symmetrical geometry, and most of the sides shows consistency. Besides, using multiple angle of 45 degrees which reduces geometric instability.

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InfiniteVoxels 19

02 TILE DESIGN

01.first geometry research

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ELEMENTS LOW VALUE

Fabricating cost Manufacturing difficulty The efficiency of scaling up Geometric freedom Reversibility The complexity of computation

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HIGH VALUE

02 TILE DESIGN

02. second geometry research

The Research of Geometry The second geometric design began to show some diversity that converts from a design with a 45 degrees multiplier to a design with a magnification of 60 degrees and 120 degrees. But it still inherits the basis of the first geometric design which keeps the property of symmetry but is now more slender, showing a linear configuration. Because it does not completely follow the logic of the regular grids which lead to a great reduction in the combination diversity, and gradually show the limitations in the other aspects of aggregation.

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+ +

+

ring form

ring expansion

loop

plane

scale

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02 TILE DESIGN

02. second geometry research

aggregation test case:top view

aggregation test case:perspective view

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ELEMENTS LOW VALUE

Fabricating cost Manufacturing difficulty The efficiency of scaling up Geometric freedom Reversibility The complexity of computation

InfiniteVoxels 25

HIGH VALUE

02 TILE DESIGN

03. Third geometry research

The Research of Geometry The third geometry is a variant of the first that still retains part of the properties of the first geometry. It is cut off in part, so it lacks symmetrical properties compared to the first design.

At the same time it also enjoys more flexibility in geometric combination than the former. Besides, it has more acute angle design, so that piece itself shows a property of directionality.

tiles combination possibility

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Linear

Surface

Loop

Spiral

Linear

Loop suraface

Loop spiralt

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02 TILE DESIGN

03. Third geometry research

The Research of Geometry In Aggregation To sum up, in the above three aggregation tests, under the premise of the aggregation logic, different geometries act in different ways. This is so, even though geometry one and two who similar properties. Geometry two show more diversity and, in my opinion, aesthetic value. The reason for this is that it does not have a symmetrical property, and there are more acute angles than the in first geometry. Therefore, if geometric aesthetics is also applied as a criterion, geometry two could achieve a higher aesthetic value, but this does not necessarily mean that the more complex geometry would lead to higher aesthetic value. This can be seen from the performance of the third and fourth geometries, they show a certain degree of instability, and even chaotic geometric performance. This inplies that designers should weigh the pros and cons of using omplex geometry, the over regular geometry which will lose some aesthetic value. While the geometry is too complex, it will be more difficult to control the performance in the aggregation. But the view of aesthetics is subjective, It is well known that even quite simple stimuli can give rise to aesthetic judgements of like’ and ‘dislike’, and a good deal of research has been done on, for instance, preference judgements for polygonal figures. However there is an overall agreement between individuals in their ratings.

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ELEMENTS LOW VALUE

HIGH VALUE

Fabricating cost Manufacturing difficulty The efficiency of scaling up Geometric freedom Reversibility The complexity of computation InfiniteVoxels 29

02 TILE DESIGN

01. introduction

Comparison of construction efficiency To achieve a more rigorous assignment of factors which affect the construction efficiency, it is necessary to compare the data between elements.

The table2 illiterates the information of factors which affect the aggregation results. The volume of pieces is 0.23 mÂł. From the number of the pieces, the geometry1 use total 40 pieces which are 2pieces less then geometry4. In contrast, the number of geometry 2 is 8pieces more than the first geometric. The fanciest part happened in geometry3, with only 18 pieces, less than one-half of the geometry one. In other words, if only considering the price of material, geometric three would possibly cheaper at least half of the other three geometries. That may also further illustrate the geometry three has a better construction efficiency. To prove that requires more tests, here I put forward a conjecture, that is, the slender geometry is, the higher the efficiency that will be. However, it does not mean that the geometry should be as slender as possible. The last item in the table2 would possibly illustrate the issue. This part shows the thickness of each geometry, which can be analogy as the thickness of the floor. Therefore, if the thickness of the piece is thinner, the structural strength would also reduce. Which properly illustrates that when the piece is too thin, the structure may need more than one layer to make up for the structural strength. To sum up, if geometries are in the similar volume quantity, the finer geometry is, higher the construction efficiency would be, but because of structural strength considerations, the thickness will be limited in a certain range. Thus when the piece is too thin, the number of units will increase significantly. There is also a certain function relationship between different factors.

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Tile1

PROPERTIES

LOW VALUE

Tile2

HIGH VALUE

Tile3

LOW VALUE

Fabricating cost Manufacturing difficulty The efficiency of scaling up Geometric freedom Reversibility The complexity of computation

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HIGH VALUE

LOW VALUE

HIGH VALUE

03 Material Research

03 MATERIAL RESEARCH

01. comparison of materials

Fabrication Method

PLYWOOD

MDF

TIMBER

Laser Cutting CNC milling

Laser Cutting

CNC milling

CONCRETE

Molding

PLASTER

STEEL

PETG (PETE)

Molding

Bending

vacuum blow Thermal Forming

high

Strength

fair

Flexibility (elasticity)

fair

fair

fair

fair

high fair poor

3.7£/m2

100£/m3

2.5 £/kg

5£/m

1mm-11£/m2

excellent none

none

none

none

excellent

none

light

Weight

fair heavy

Water resistance

fair

poor

1mm-10£/m2 6mm-4.3£/m2

none

fair

poor

6mm-13.6£/m2

Transparency

Laser Cutter

high

fair

poor

Cost

ACRYLIC

fair heavy

heavy

heavy

heavy

good

good

good

excellent poor

poor

poor

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excellent

PLYWOOD

PLASTER

Material • •

plywood 6mm cost: 4 £/sheet

Process During our project we have been analyzing and texting different materials. The main properties that have been analyzed are strength, cost, weight, flexibility and if the are easy to agregate or not. One has been compared all this properties of the diffetent materials we have chosen plywood and plaster. The utilization of plywood allows us to work with more precision because we are using the lasercut to produce our models, however the price of the wood is quite high and the assembly of the different pieces is manualy. After test this system we considered that it is not the proper approach for our project. The second material that we tested was plaster, the main advantage of this is the low price of the material however the main disadvantage is the time that the piece needs to be totally dried.

Taken everything into consideration, we have decided that this traditional materials are not the best option to develop our structure and system. That is why we have researched about 3D printing.

•

•

laser cut time: 45min/sheet units: 20u/sheet cost 4£/sheet

Material • • •

plaster plywood (mould) cost: plaster 5£/kg plywood 4£/sheet

Process •

•

laser cut time: 10 min/sheet units: 6 u/sheet casting

Assembly

Assembly

•

•

glue time: 2min/piece cost: 3£/tube (120 pieces)

(+)

precise

digital fabrication (-)

time consuming expensive

manual assembly

InfiniteVoxels 35

continuous fabrication

(-)

heavy

long time to dry

remove the mould fragile

03 MATERIAL RESEARCH

02. comparison of materials

material: artificial sandstone technology: 3D printed factory advantages: flexibility

Egg-shaped structure Enrico Dini

material: plastic powder method: 3D printed factory in a factoryfitted on site advantages: optimise material

Proto House Softkill Design

material: mix sand and binding method: D-shape printer advantages: discrete assembly

The material research quickly progressed from the use of solids (surfaces) and surfaces (plywood) to a language of lines (3D printing). These lines were to be varied and boung together by logics of combinations and hence plastic extrusion was chosen as the fabrication method.

Landscape House Universe Architecture

material: plastic extruded method: Kamer Maker 2.0 advantages: 3D printed joints

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3D printing canal house DUS Architects

ABS pellets

PLA pellets

LDPE pellets

2.5£/kg

4£/kg

1.5£/kg

Material cost

PLA filament

17£/kg

ABS filament

Caron Fiber Reinforced

20£/kg 60£/kg

excellent

Strength

Melting temperature

fair

fair

fair

fair

220-260 ºC.

210-250 ºC. 200-230 ºC.

Extruder cost

200 ºC.

1200 £

190-220 ºC.

350 £

Advantages / Disadvantages

(+)

(-)

fair

precise digital fabrication strength no manual task time consuming expensive small scale

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190-210ºC.

04 Toolpath

04 TOOLPATH

01. introduction

In 2D, any pattern starts with a pixel. By making pixels shift and change color, we can form nearly any kind of pattern. In 3D, we can also similarly use voxels to realize any kind of form and shape through the same logic.

All problems relevant to toolpath could be secluded from the level of local, including from the cell and from the cell clusters. It is in a voxel where toolpaths are originally generated and where all restraints are tested and optimized. Then in the second phase, a great deal of voxels are assembled together to form a continuous path, which only needs local computation. What makes this method more outstanding is that the computation is both cheap and quick. Furthermore, the respect of prototyping also becomes more rapid because only one voxel together with its direct neighbours ought to undergo the check for potential problems.

In this system, sometimes we array the voxel in one row in order to get some nicer patterns. But the voxel start point cannot touch the previous voxel end point. In this case, we need to add some extra lines to connect the cap between these voxels in order to make a continuous printable line. On the other hand, during the process of our design, some of the testing lines are laid on two sides of the voxel. Then after their combination, the former voxel often inevitably has a negative effect on the printing of its following voxel. Therefore, when an architect is going to design the toolpath, he should try his best to avoid laying the toolpath on the two sides of the voxel in order to have a continuous printable line after voxels combination.

InfiniteVoxels 40

Basic geometry

Divide geometry

Divide in voxles

Voxalize the geometry

toothpath intergrade in voxels

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04 TOOLPATH

02. Toothpath in voxels

Trial 1 Continuous, Structural, Repetitive, Not printable

Basic module

1st Step

2nd Step

3rd Step

4th Step

5th Step

Combination

2nd Step

3rd Step

4th Step

5th Step

Combination

2nd Step

3rd Step

4th Step

5th Step

Combination

2nd Step

3rd Step

4th Step

5th Step

Combination

2nd Step

3rd Step

4th Step

5th Step

Combination

2nd Step

3rd Step

4th Step

5th Step

Combination

Trial 2 Continuous, Structural, Not repetitive, Not printable

Basic module

1st Step

Trial 3 Continuous, Structural, Not repetitive, Not printable

Basic module

1st Step

Trial 4 Continuous, Structural, Repetitive, Printable

Basic module

1st Step

Trial 5 Continuous, Structural, Repetitive, Not printable

Basic module

1st Step

Trial 6 Continuous, Structural, Not repetitive, Printable

Basic module

1st Step

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04 TOOLPATH

02. Toothpath in voxels

Trial 7 Continuous, Structural, Not repetitive, Not printable

Basic module

1st Step

2nd Step

3rd Step

4th Step

5th Step

Combination

2nd Step

3rd Step

4th Step

5th Step

Combination

2nd Step

3rd Step

4th Step

5th Step

Combination

2nd Step

3rd Step

4th Step

5th Step

Combination

2nd Step

3rd Step

4th Step

5th Step

Combination

2nd Step

3rd Step

4th Step

5th Step

Combination

Trial 8H Continuous, Structural, Repetitive, Not printable

Basic module

1st Step

Trial 9 Continuous, Structural, Not repetitive, Not printable

Basic module

1st Step

Trial 10 Continuous, Structural, Repetitive, Printable

Basic module

1st Step

Trial 11 Continuous, Structural, Not repetitive, Not printable

Basic module

1st Step

Trial 12 Continuous, Structural, Not repetitive, Printable

Basic module

1st Step

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04 TOOLPATH

03.Infinite voxels with toothpath

Though Change the performance of the geometry by moving the nodes

Toothpath fill in voxles

Move nodes (15mm,aixsZ)

Tile test case 1

Tile test case 2

size: 64mm*128mm*32mm material:PLA filament (white)

size: 32mm*94mm*64mm material:PLA filament (white)

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Tile test case 3

Tile test case 4

size: 160mm*640mm*64mm material:PLA filament (white)

size: 160mm*160mm*160mm material:PLA filament (white)

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04 TOOLPATH

03.Infinite voxels with toothpath

layer 05 toothpath

layer 04 toothpath

layer 03 foam

layer 02 foam

layer 01 foam

Tile test case 1

size: 564mm*160mm*160mm material:PLA filament (white)

Tile test case 2

size: 564mm*160mm*160mm material:PLA filament (black)

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Tile test case 3

size: 564mm*160mm*160mm material:PLA filament (black)

layer 05 toothpath

layer 04 toothpath/ foam/ empty voxles

layer 03 foam

layer 02 toothpath/ foam/ empty voxles

layer 01 foam

Tile test case 4

size: 564mm*160mm*160mm material:PLA filament (black)

Tile test case 5

size: 564mm*160mm*160mm material:PLA filament (black)

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Tile test case 5(long tile)

size: 1024mm*160mm*160mm material:PLA filament (black)

04 TOOLPATH

04.Toolpath in tiles

Tile test case 1 size: 564mm*160mm*160mm material:PLA filament (white)

Tile test case 2 size: 564mm*160mm*160mm material:PLA filament (black)

Tile test case 3 size: 564mm*160mm*160mm material:PLA filament (black)

Tile test case 4 size: 564mm*160mm*160mm material:PLA filament (black)

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layer 05

layer 04 toothpath/foam/ empty voxles

layer 03 foam

layer 02 toothpath/foam/ empty voxles

layer 01 foam

Tile test case 5 size: 564mm*160mm*160mm material:PLA filament (black)

Tile test case 6 (long tile) size: 1024mm*160mm*160mm material:PLA filament (black)

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04 TOOLPATH

04.Toolpath in tiles

Combination one: two tiles in blocks

Combination one:tracing in structure

Combination one:voxelize the tiles

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04 TOOLPATH

04.Toolpath in tiles

Combination one: three tiles in blocks

Combination one:tracing in structure

Combination one:voxelize the tiles

InfiniteVoxels 54

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04 TOOLPATH

05.Bpro prototype

aggregationcase5 tile number:14

aggregationcase4 tile number:14

aggregationcase3 tile number:14

aggregationcase2 tile number:14

aggregationcase1 tile number:14

aggregationcase9 tile number:14

aggregationcase8 tile number:14

aggregationcase7 tile number:14

aggregationcase6 tile number:14

aggregationcase 15 tile number:14

aggregationcase14 tile number:14

aggregationcase13 tile number:14

aggregationcase12 tile number:14

aggregationcase11 tile number:14

aggregationcase20 tile number:14

aggregationcase19 tile number:14

aggregationcas18 tile number:14

aggregationcase17 tile number:14

aggregationcase10 tile number:14

InfiniteVoxels 56

aggregationcase 16 tile number:14

Bpro prototype:aggregation with tiles

Bpro prototype:tracing line and structure lines

Bpro prototype:continues tracing lines in 2D

TOTAL STRUCTURE Number of tiles (total):14 Time cost (approximately):13days Cost(PLA): 300pounds

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04 TOOLPATH

05.Bpro prototype

TILE.case13(long) TILE.case14(long) TILE.case9 TILE.case10 TILE.case11 TILE.case12 TILE.case5 TILE.case6 TILE.case7 TILE.case8 TILE.case1 TILE.case2 TILE.case3 TILE.case4

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04 INTERLOCK

01. introduction

The concept digital material is described by Neil Gershenfeld (2015) as a building block with a determined geometry, which can be only assembled in certain positions; this position is defined by the geometry of the block. This mechanism allows this system to be reversibly assembled and to be adapted to different circumstances. Another important fact is the difference between analogue and digital systems. Taking both point into consideration the aim of our research is to achieve reversibility in a large scale Digital Architecture through interlocking and mechanical attachment.

WThere are many references in history, ranging from old techniques such as Chinese to more recent ones, where interlocking has been used. Traditionally this technique has been directly linked with manual task however, we are going to introduce the robotic assembly to achieve the completely automatization of the process. We are trying to achieve the fastest, lightest and low cost structure possible. The core of this project is to create a flexible structure which can be reassembly in different shapes without the use of extra pieces.

Dougong _Traditional chinese architecture

SunnyHills Minamy _ Kengo Kuma

dougon _ traditional chinese interlocking

Dougong _Traditional chinese architecture

SunnyHills Minamy _ Kengo Kuma

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04 INTERLOCK

02.Research case1

2

1

3

4

3D foam

male-female joint _ magnetic joint

Interlocking into a layered system

advantages:

disadvantages:

Foam layer:

3D printing layer:

• increase tolerance

• limited connections

• clicking system

• clicking system

• fast robotic assembly

• 2.5D connections

• slidering system

first approach

analysis geometry / material

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Iteration 2

second approach / interlocking by toolpath and foam

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04 INTERLOCK

02.Research case

Test 1: voxles size: 32mm*96mm*64mm number of voxles:4

Test 2: voxles size: 32mm*96mm*32mm number of voxles:2

Instrument for clicking system: left:32mm*40mm right:20mm*40mm

Test 1: toothpath for interlock size: 32mm*96mm*64mm

Test 2: toothpath for interlock size: 32mm*96mm*32mm

Instrument for clicking system: toothpath click in the groove of interlock part

Test 1: interlock the toothath(layer by layer print)

Test 2: interlock the toothath(interlock in structure lines)

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Test 1 INTERLOCK : material:PLA fitlament (white)MAKER BOT TOOTHPATH: material:PLA fitlament (BLACK) ROBOT ABB 120

Test case 1 size: 64mm*4mm*50mm material:PLA fitlament (white)

Test case 5

Test 2 INTERLOCK : material:PLA fitlament (white)MAKER BOT TOOTHPATH: material:PLA fitlament (white) ROBOT ABB 120

Test case2 size: 60mm*4mm*32mm material:PLA filament (white)

Test case 1+Test case2

Test case 1+Test

Test case 3 size: 40mm*5mm*32mm material:PLA filament (white)

Interlock partA+B:Test case1,Test

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Test 3 INTERLOCK : material:PLA fitlament (white)MAKER BOT TOOTHPATH: material:PLA fitlament (BLACK) ROBOT ABB 120

Test case 4 size: 32mm*6mm*40mm material:PLA filament (white)

Test case 5 size: 32mm*40mm*40mm material:PLA filament (white)

Interlock Interlock part A :Test part B :Test case 1+Test case5

Interlock Interlock part A :Test part B :Test case 1+Test case5

04 INTERLOCK

02.Research case

Test case 1: voxles size: 96mm*96mm*128mm number of voxles:10

Test case 2: voxles size: 96mm*96mm*96mm number of voxles:9

Test case 3: voxles size: 96mm*96mm*96mm number of voxles:6

Test case 4: voxles size: 96mm*96mm*96mm number of voxles:6

Test case 1: male part size: 160mm*320mm*64mm material:PLA fitlament

Test case 2: male part size: 96mm*96mm*128mm material:PLA fitlament (black)

Test case 3: male part size: 96mm*96mm*96mm material:PLA fitlament (black)

Test case 4: male part size: 96mm*96mm*96mm material:PLA fitlament (black)

Test case 5: male part size: 160mm*320mm*64mm material:PLA fitlament

Test case 6: female part size: 160mm*160mm*32mm material:PLA fitlament

Test case 7: male part size: 960mm*96mm*64mm material:PLA fitlament (black) material2: foam(blue)

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Test case 1: interlock part size: 96mm*96mm*128mm material:PLA fitlament (black)

Test case 1: female part size: 160mm*320mm*64mm material:PLA fitlament

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05 Fabrication

05 FABRICATION

01. 1st generation tool _ spatial printing

CONNECTION

2

• robot (1)

COOLING SYSTEM • support (2) • pipe to disperse (3) • cooler to nozzle (4)

5 6

• cooling ring (5)

EXTRUSION SYSTEM • stepper motor (6) • gear (7)

3

7

• extruder support (8) • all metal hot end (9)

8

• aluminium nozzle (10)

- 3mm extrusion

9

4

10

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05 FABRICATION

02. 2nd generation tool _ spatial printing

5

CONNECTION • robot (1)

COOLING SYSTEM • support (2)

6

1

• pipe to disperse (3) • cooler to nozzle (4)

3

• pneumatic valve (5)

EXTRUSION SYSTEM • stepper motor (6) • gear (7)

8

• extruder support (8) • all metal hot end (9) • aluminium nozzle (10)

- 3mm extrusion

7 2

4

9

10 InfiniteVoxels 72

To implement the Space Frame, this research develped an apropiate cooling method and also a wa wide diameter (3mm) extruding nozzle, and proposed a 3D prinnting method that etxtruded plastica in mid ai.r

cooling ring as cooling system

no cooling system

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05 FABRICATION

03. cooling system

cooling ring

pneumatic pipes

cooper pipes

We are testing different parameters of the cooling system such as pressure, distance to nozzle and orientation. The main idea is to find the right combination between them to achieve the highest performances in the toolpath development.

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Compressor pressure

no pressure

medium pressure

Without cooling system the lines cannot cool down enoguh quick

The compressor pressure is not enough, no straight lines

right pressure

Toolpath behaviour

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The compressor pressure is appropiate, straight lines

05 FABRICATION

04. assembly parts

Cartridge

Thermocouple K-Type

Battery 24 v.

PID controller

Thermal paste

High temperature resistant tape

Heating system

Mechanical system

Cooling system

Mini stepper motor controller

Male valve 3/4 “

Stepper Nema Motor 17

Ring system 3/4”

Filament extruder feeder kit

Female valve 3/4 “

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Pneumatic pipe 5mm.

Battery 24 v.

Cooper pipe 4mm.

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05 FABRICATION

05. electronic components

The filament extruder is controlled by a custom made circuit board which is controlling the speed of the motor and a PID controller which is checking the temperature of the heating system.

cable terminal

(3) relay 24V

Stepper motor

To heat up the system three cartridges of 12v each have been used. The temperature is checked by a K-type thermocouple controller. We are using a solid relay to open and close the heating system to ensure that the temperature remain stable between the values that we have introduced previously.

The other part of the cirucit board controls the nema 17 stepper motor. The main part is the stepper controller which is connected to the arduino 1 board. An extra relay has been used to introduce multiple speeds into our 3D printing system. At the moment we are printing with three different speeds (40mm/s, 20mm/s and 10mm/s). These speeds are chaning depending of the geometry of the toolpath and if it has support or not.

(2) power supply 24V 6A.

PID controller

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Arduino UNO

power supply 24V 6A.

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05 FABRICATION

06. nozzle design

rod • weight _ 415gr • hight _ 70mm • diameter_ 40mm • material_aluminium

nozzle 1 • weight _ 144gr • hight _ 70mm • diameter_ 36mm • material_aluminium

nozzle 2 • weight _ 179gr • hight _ 80mm • diameter_ 50mm • material_aluminium

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nozzle 3 • weight _ 406gr • hight _ 80mm • diameter_ 36mm • material_steel

nozzle 4 • weight _ 75gr • hight _ 70mm • diameter_ 32mm • material_aluminium

nozzle 5 • weight _ 78gr • hight _ 60mm • diameter_ 36mm • material_aluminium

3.00 3.00 3.00 2.50 2.50

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2.50

3.00 3.00 3.00 0°

6.00 6.00

.7

30.00

10.00

6.00

20.00

10.00

22.00

6.00 6.00 6.00

51.00

10.00 10.00

22.00 22.00 20.00 20.00 10.00 10.00

30.00 30.00

75

75 75.70 .7 ° 0°

51.00 51.00

6.00 6.00

10.00

6.00

20.00

30.00

10.00

50.00

37.00

10.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 10.00

30.00 30.00 20.00 20.00 10.00 10.00

37.00 37.00

50.00 50.00

°

.0 0

6.00 6.00

10.00

20.00

6.00

25.00

10.00 10.00

10.00

20.00 20.00

25.00 25.00

10.00

20.00

25.00

37.00

10.00 10.00 6.00 6.00 6.00

40.00

40.00 40.00

42.00

10.00 10.00

25.00 25.00 20.00 20.00

37.00 37.00

80

80 80.00 .0 ° 0°

5°

69 .1

69 69.15 .15° °

42.00 42.00

6.00 6.00 30.00 30.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 30.00 6.00 6.00

10.00

10.00 10.00

11.75

11.75 11.75

11.75

11.75 11.75

05 FABRICATION

07.work environment

One of the biggest constraints of 3D printing technology is the size of the printers. Currently, the size of 3d printed pieces is directly connected with the size of the printer. Using a robotic arm, this constraint disappears immediately. Additionally, by using a robotic arm, we can achieve flexibility during the construction process that is not possible with the traditional 3D printing processes.

The main advantage is that we can print lines without any kind of support. INTILE has developed an end effector to melt the PLA filament and to extrude it.

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05 FABRICATION 08. initial tests

speed robot (mm/s) • supported segments • downward segments • upward and unsupported segments speed motor • high speed • medium speed • low speed displacement • vertical offset • rotation compensation • horizontal distance

waiting time (s.)

• after start extruding

displacement • vertical offset • rotation compensation • horizontal distance

5 pi*-0.01 10

speed robot (mm/s) • supported segments • downward segments • upward and unsupported segments

displacement • vertical offset • rotation compensation • horizontal distance

speed motor • high speed • medium speed • low speed

400 175 175

waiting time (s.)

• after start extruding

speed motor • high speed • medium speed • low speed

speed robot (mm/s) • supported segments • downward segments • upward and unsupported segments

30 25 10

3

speed motor • high speed • medium speed • low speed

400 150 150

displacement • vertical offset • rotation compensation • horizontal distance

5 pi*-0.01 20 4

4

waiting time (s.)

• after start extruding

displacement • vertical offset • rotation compensation • horizontal distance

5 pi*-0.01 10 4

speed robot (mm/s) • supported segments • downward segments • upward and unsupported segments

30 15 15

speed motor • high speed • medium speed • low speed

400 150 125

waiting time (s.)

• after start extruding

1

speed robot (mm/s) • supported segments • downward segments • upward and unsupported segments

30 25 15

5 pi*-0.02 10

speed robot (mm/s) • supported segments • downward segments • upward and unsupported segments

20 15 15

speed motor • high speed • medium speed • low speed

400 175 175

displacement • vertical offset • rotation compensation • horizontal distance

5 pi*-0.01 20

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400 150 125

waiting time (s.)

• after start extruding

2

3

25 15 10

5

waiting time (s.)

• after start extruding

4

3

30 20 20 400 175 175 5 pi*-0.02 20 3

6

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05 FABRICATION

09. inhabitability at architectural scale

During the fabrication process, we have been analysing the different results and we have compared them with the existing construction standards. We are able to achieve a large aggregation based on the 3D printing pieces connected between them. This aggregation is light, reversible and robotically assembled. However, the interest of this research is not the creation of a 3D printed sculture or pavilion, our aim is to introduce 3D spatial printing into architectural scale.

INTILE aims to introduce 3D spatial printing at an architectural scale ensuring inhabitability conditions. That is why a Digital Composite Building Block based on 3D printing technology was developed 3D Spatial Printing itself does not allow for the creation of inhabitable architecture because there are conditions such as insolation, waterproof, acoustic protection that cannot be achieved by using a single material. After analysing the different advantages and disadvantages of the system, there is an existing application of 3D printing, which aims to fulfil these conditions. Branch Technology is a company that combines 3D spatial printing with traditional materials in a layered system. Using this system, it becomes possible to achieve inhabitability but on the other hand it is a continuous system and the flexibility is reduced.

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05 FABRICATION

10. digital composite building block

Branch Technology method:

disadvantages:

• multi layer system

• continuous system

• not reversible

• Flat Surface

• manual assembly

• time consuming

InfiniteVoxels 90

3D spatial printing allows architects to create light-

material inside. In our composite building block,

er, more efficient forms without using any more

the geometry works as a bounding box and the

material than is necessary for load bearing. Com-

material organization inside it changes according

bining this with the properties of the foam we can

to the necessities for each piece. To delimit the

create a catalogue of blocks that can prevent the

research, we are developing five different material

habitability problem which is normally linked to

organizations where the amount of foam and 3D

Digital Architecture.

printing changes according to the structural analysis and the position of the piece in the final aggre-

The building block is not a traditional block where

gation. Apart from that, Spatial 3D printing allows

the bounding box is directly connected with the

us to modify the toolpath in each piece.

Digital Composite Building Block •

Structural performance

•

Light

•

Robotic Assembly

•

Insulation

•

Mass Customization

•

Services Included

•

Flat Surface

•

Reversible

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05 FABRICATION

10. digital composite building block

foam: 100% 3D printing: 0%

foam: 80% 3D printing: 20%

foam: 60% 3D printing: 40%

foam: 40% 3D printing: 60%

foam: 0% 3D printing: 100%

continuous layer of material

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layer 1 • 3D printing

layer 2 • 3D printing • foam

layer 3 • 3D printing • foam

layer 4 • 3D printing • foam

layer 5 • foam

layer 6 • 3D printing

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05 FABRICATION

10. digital composite building block

small loop 30 u.

medium loop 10 u.

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large loop 12 u.

horizontal loop 45 u.

foam:100% 3D printing:0% foam:75% 3D printing:25% foam:50% 3D printing:50%

foam:25% 3D printing:75% foam:0% 3D printing:100%

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05 FABRICATION

11. printing process

frame 1

frame 2

frame 3

frame 4

frame 5

frame 6

frame 7

frame 8

frame 9

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05 FABRICATION

11. printing process

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05 FABRICATION 12. prototypes

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05 FABRICATION 12. prototypes

test 1 • weight _ 650gr.

• printing time _ 4h.

• cost _ 14 £

test 1 • weight _ 700gr.

• printing time _ 5h.

• cost _ 20 £

test 1 • weight _ 750gr.

• printing time _ 5h.

• cost _ 14 £

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test 1 • weight _ 700gr.

• printing time _ 5h.

• cost _ 20 £

test 1 • weight _ 650gr.

• printing time _ 4h.

• cost _ 14 £

test 1 • weight _ 750gr.

• printing time _ 5h.

• cost _ 15£

test 1 • weight _ 650gr.

• printing time _ 4h.

• cost _ 14 £

InfiniteVoxels 103

05 FABRICATION

13. aggregations

InfiniteVoxels 104

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05 FABRICATION

13. aggregations

InfiniteVoxels 106

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06 Computation

06 COMPUTATION 01. Infinite loop

Tile in tile

The infinite loop

The logic of Infinite Loop Trying to use the piece itself to make a larger but the same shape piece, that is, after a series of morphological changes piece remain the same shape, which also involves the topology theory.

InfiniteVoxels 110

“LEAF”

“VENIS” put tile in tile

cycle1

fuzzy pixel

“CHLOROPHYLL” put tile in tile

cycle2

low-resolution ratio

The logic of increase resulation

But unlike topology theory, we try to turn this tile to tile process into a cyclic process. In this cyclic process, each cyclic increases the overall number of pieces and refresh the resolution of the object structure

InfiniteVoxels 111

cycle3

high resolution ratio

06 COMPUTATION 01. Infinite loop

LEVEL1

LEVEL2

LEVEL3

Process inside the piece (aggreation for toothpath) In this process,units always inside the piece of level1 and constantly deconstructed into smaller pieces whcih is also a process to aggreate the toothpath inside the piece.

InfiniteVoxels 112

LEVEL4

LEVEL5

LEVEL6

In this process,units always keep the size of level1,which means each cycle will increase the volume of the whole structure.

InfiniteVoxels 113

06 COMPUTATION 01. Infinite loop

A process to generate a column

LEVEL1

LEVEL2

LEVEL3

cycle1

boundingbox for the column

fill in the first loop

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cycle2

start the first cycle

too much repetitive

with average density

LEVEL4

LEVEL5

cycle3

next loop

next loop

InfiniteVoxels 115

06 COMPUTATION 01.Infinite loop

stress anayze some parts need more stress

return stress value to color

stop from cycling

A process to generate a column

LEVEL1

boundingbox for the column

LEVEL2

LEVEL3

fill in the first loop

sart the first cycle

InfiniteVoxels 116

LEVEL4

goes to the next loop

LEVEL5

cycle3

InfiniteVoxels 117

06 COMPUTATION 01. Infinite loop

Pixelized objects

Boundingbox go back to the loop

Start the loop

enough support step1

stress analyze

step2

not enough support N<60CM

N>60CM N

Process2:process of aggreation of large structure

InfiniteVoxels 118

measure the piece

Process1:process of aggreation of toothpath

Start the loop inside the piece

go back to the loop

measure the piece

A<2cm A>2cm

put in toothpath

A InfiniteVoxels 119

06 COMPUTATION

02. Infinite voxles random aggregation

InfiniteVoxels 120

connector1 connector2 connector3

Tiles in voxels

rotate 90 degrees

rotate 0 degree

1 to 1

1 to 2

1 to 3

rotate 180 degrees

2 to 2

2 to 3

InfiniteVoxels 121

rotate 270 degrees 3 to 3

06 COMPUTATION

02. Infinite voxels random aggregation

Ramdom voxels: aggregat in voxles

Ramdom aggregation: conbert to tiles

Ramdom aggregation: conbert to toothpath

InfiniteVoxels 122

InfiniteVoxels 123

06 COMPUTATION

03. Infinite voxels aggregation in rules

long pieces(voxels in order)

small pieces (regular voxels)

connected part face A

connected part face E

connected part face B

connected part face F

connected part small piece faceA(FaceA)

connected part face C

connected part face G

connected part small piece faceB(FaceB)

connected part face D

connected part face H

connected part small piece faceC(FaceC)

+

+

1. FaceA to FaceB Rotate (0)

2. FaceA to FaceB Rotate ( 0)

+

3. FaceA to FaceB Rotate ( Math.PI * 0.5)

5. FaceC to FaceD Rotate ( 0) +

6. FaceD to FaceC Rotate ( 0) +

4. FaceB to FaceA Rotate ( Math.PI * 0.5)

InfiniteVoxels 124

+

when this tile - repeat 3-5times connection rules:3,4,5

when this tile - repeat 3-5times connection rules:3,4,5

when this tile - repeat 4-5times connection rules:1,2,3

InfiniteVoxels 125

06 COMPUTATION

03. Infinite voxels aggregation in rules

when this tile - repeat 3-5times connection rules:3,4,5

when this tile - repeat 3-5times connection rules6

when this tile - repeat 3-5times connection rule5,6

InfiniteVoxels 126

First step: aggregation in voxels

+

+

+

+

Second step: repet the patten in a loop system ,and also control the direction of agrega-

InfiniteVoxels 127

06 COMPUTATION

03. Infinite voxels aggregation in rules

+

+

Extend more in the direction, and handle more combined diversity at the same time

InfiniteVoxels 128

InfiniteVoxels 129

06 COMPUTATION

03. Infinite voxels aggregation in rules

TILE NUMBER=50

TILE NUMBER=100

TILE NUMBER=150

TILE NUMBER=250

TILE NUMBER=300

TILE NUMBER=350

TILE NUMBER=400

TILE NUMBER=550

TILE NUMBER=600

TILE NUMBER=650

TILE NUMBER=700

TILE NUMBER=750

TILE NUMBER=800

TILE NUMBER=850

TILE NUMBER=900

TILE NUMBER=950

InfiniteVoxels 130

Number of loops:600 Random seed:45456

Number of loops:800 Random seed:8855626

Number of loops:1000 Random seed:78654345

Number of loops:1000 Random seed:4545212

InfiniteVoxels 131

06 COMPUTATION

03. Infinite voxels aggregation in rules

Rule1:faceA to faceB Number of the piece 200 Rule2:faceB to face Number of the piece 200

Rule5/6:faceC to faceD (faceC to faceD) Number of the piece 100

Rule3/4:faceA to faceB (faceB to faceA)MathPI*0.5 Number of the piece100

Rule5/6:faceC to faceD (faceC to faceD) Number of the piece400

InfiniteVoxels 132

InfiniteVoxels 133

06 COMPUTATION

03. Infinite voxles aggregation in rules

TILE NUMBER=1

TILE NUMBER=100

TILE NUMBER=150

TILE NUMBER=250

TILE NUMBER=300

TILE NUMBER=350

TILE NUMBER=400

TILE NUMBER=550

TILE NUMBER=600

TILE NUMBER=650

TILE NUMBER=700

TILE NUMBER=750

TILE NUMBER=800

TILE NUMBER=850

TILE NUMBER=900

TILE NUMBER=950

InfiniteVoxels 134

Number of loops:1000 Random seed:54273477

Number of loops:500 Random seed:32523623

Number of loops:800 Random seed:322623

InfiniteVoxels 135

Number of loops:1000 Random seed:46885534

06 COMPUTATION

03. Infinite voxles aggregation in rules

InfiniteVoxels 136

Rule1:faceA to faceB Number of the piece 100 Rule2:faceB to faceC Number of the piece 100

Rule3/4:faceA to faceB (faceB to faceA)-MathPI*0.5 Number of the piece200

Rule5/6:faceC to faceD (faceC to faceD) Number of the piece 400

Rule7:faceB to faceA (faceB to faceA)-MathPI*0.5 Number of the piece100

InfiniteVoxels 137

06 COMPUTATION

03. Infinite voxles aggregation in rules

TILE NUMBER=50

TILE NUMBER=100

TILE NUMBER=150

TILE NUMBER=250

TILE NUMBER=300

TILE NUMBER=350

TILE NUMBER=400

TILE NUMBER=550

TILE NUMBER=600

TILE NUMBER=650

TILE NUMBER=700

TILE NUMBER=750

TILE NUMBER=800

TILE NUMBER=850

TILE NUMBER=900

TILE NUMBER=950

InfiniteVoxels 138

Number of loops:500 Random seed 8343123

Number of loops:500 Random seed:3252334

Number of loops:500 Random seed:46885534

voxels of Random seed 8343123

voxels of Random seed:3252334

voxels of Random seed:46885534

InfiniteVoxels 139

InfiniteVoxels 140

Rule1:faceC to faceD (faceC to faceD)0 Number of the piece200

Rule2:faceB to small pieces Number of the pieceďź&#x161;200 Rule3:faceA to faceC Number of the pieceďź&#x161;200

Rule5/6:faceC to faceD (faceC to faceD) Number of the piece 400

Rule7:repet the rule Of triangle loop

InfiniteVoxels 141

06 COMPUTATION

03. Infinite voxles aggregation in rules

InfiniteVoxels 142

InfiniteVoxels 143

06 COMPUTATION

03. Infinite voxles aggregation in rules

InfiniteVoxels 144

InfiniteVoxels 145

07 Robotic Assembly

07 ROBOTIC ASSEMBLY

01. pick & place research

LEGO

BRICK WALLS

PROTOTYPE Brass Swarm

InfiniteVoxels 148

COMPLEX TIMBER Gramazio & Kokler

DIGITAL MATTER Joris Laarman Lab

THE PROGRAM WALL Gramazio & Kohler

InfiniteVoxels 149

SELF ASSEMBLE BALL Skylar Tibbits

07 ROBOTIC ASSEMBLY

02. fabrication and robotic assembly research

x3

x3

x3

x2

x2

x3

x3

x3

x2

x2

x3

x3

x3

x2

x2

fabrication/assembly (factory)

small loop

medium loop

large loop

horizontal loop

small loop

medium loop

large loop

horizontal loop

x3 x3

x3 x3

x3 x3

small loop

medium loop

x3 x3

x2 x2

x2x2 x2x2

large loop

x2 x2

filament extruder ABB IRB 1600 horizontal loop

INTILE

x3

x3

medium loop medium loop medium loop medium loop

x2

x2 large loop large loop

x2

large loop large loop

horizontal loophorizontal loop horizontal loop horizontal loop

x2

package

filament extruder ABB IRB 1600

horizontal loop

horizontal loop

InfiniteVoxels 150

90m3

construction elements

package

shipping

assembly (on site) FIRST APPROACH

loop

90m3 shipping

fabrication (on site)

assembly (on site) SECOND APPROACH

filament extruder

InfiniteVoxels 151

loop

07 ROBOTIC ASSEMBLY

03. gripper design & picking point

INTILE aims to achieve a fully reversible and robotic assembly structure. To achieve this point, an interlocking system has been developped. This mechanism allows us to assemble and disassemble the pieces as many times is required. Two scenarios has been analyezed, the first one is based on fabrication and assemble on a factory and a seconde one where the fabrication and assemble is directly on site. The main different between both scenarios is based on the shipping method. In the first one the pieces has to shipped to the place once the has been produced, this fact produced and increment of the cost of the shipping. On the other hand, the second scenario allow as to ship the robotic arm and the extruder whereever is needed. By this method, the shipping cost is reduced drastically.

The project InfiniteVoxels aims to achieve a fully robotic assembly through a robotic arm. A pneumatic gripper has been used to grip the pieces, the gripping part of the gripper has been customized to be adapted to the dimension of the pieces. There are two bases were designed for picking and placing. According to robot working space and the limited rotation of the robot arm, small pieces could be picked from three different surfaces, Long piece and floor slab could be picked by one point.

Gripper

Gripper part

InfiniteVoxels 152

Picking point for different tiles

InfiniteVoxels 153

07 ROBOTIC ASSEMBLY

04. pick and place environment design

Picking base without piece

InfiniteVoxels 154

Picking base with piece

InfiniteVoxels 155

07 ROBOTIC ASSEMBLY

05. pick and place process

Pick & Place Process

InfiniteVoxels 156

InfiniteVoxels 157

08 Architectural Speculation

08 ARCHITECTURAL SPECULATION 01.architecutral approaches

InfiniteVoxels 160

InfiniteVoxels 161

08 ARCHITECTURAL SPECULATION 02.first domino approach

Step1: voxelize the domino house size boundingbox

Step2: analyze the stress for support

Step3: remove the voxles not work in sturcture

InfiniteVoxels 162

stress lines in voxels

put back pieces while tracing the structure line InfiniteVoxels 163

08 ARCHITECTURAL SPECULATION 02.first domino approach

Step1: aggregation in 2D plane number of tiles:200

Step4: aggregation in 3D number of tiles: 700

Step2: aggregation in 2D plane number of tiles: 350

Step5: aggregation in 3D number of tiles: 1000

Step6: aggregation in 3D number of tiles: 1600

InfiniteVoxels 164

Step3: aggregation in 2D plane number of tiles: 500

Step6: aggregation in 3D number of tiles: 1200V

InfiniteVoxels 165

InfiniteVoxels 166

InfiniteVoxels 167

InfiniteVoxels 168

InfiniteVoxels 169

08 ARCHITECTURAL SPECULATION 03.enclosing system

The concept digital material is described by Neil Gershenfeld (2015) as a building block with a determined geometry, which can be only assembled in certain positions; this position is defined by the geometry of the block. This mechanism allows this system to be reversibly assembled and to be adapted to different circumstances. Another important fact is the difference between analogue and digital systems. Taking both point into consideration the aim of our research is to achieve reversibility in a large scale Digital Architecture through interlocking and mechanical attachment.

InfiniteVoxels 170

Clicking system to enclose the loop system

Clicking system to enclose the floor slab

InfiniteVoxels 171

InfiniteVoxels 172

InfiniteVoxels 173

08 ARCHITECTURAL SPECULATION 03.enclosing system

slap prototype loop system

clicking system reinforcement (3D+Foam)

clicking system finishing layer

InfiniteVoxels 174

InfiniteVoxels 175

08 ARCHITECTURAL SPECULATION 04. second domino approach

During our project we have been analyzing and texting different materials. The main properties that have been analyzed are strength, cost, weight, flexibility and if the are easy to agregate or not. One has been compared all this properties of the diffetent materials we have chosen plywood and plaster. The utilization of plywood allows us to work with more precision because we are using the lasercut to produce our models, however the price of the wood is quite high and the assembly of the different pieces is manualy. After test this system we considered that it is not the proper approach for our project. The second material that we tested was plaster, the main advantage of this is the low price of the material however the main disadvantage is the time that the piece needs to be totally dried.

1

2

stress analyse with the direction lines working in tension

stress analyse with a optimization geometry

add load point and dividing spaces

set a bounding-box of domino house

4

3

6

5

stress analyse with the direction lines working in compression

InfiniteVoxels 176

voxelize the optimization geometry

9

start aggregation

Type1:empty voxel

8

input the Database Type2:single voxel with triangle loop

7

apply the voxels in as a new bounding-box

Type3:four voxels with long loop

InfiniteVoxels 177

08 ARCHITECTURAL SPECULATION 04. second domino approach

Rule1

if this distance A>600m then there is 90% of chance to fill back with Type2

Mesh 1 Mesh 2

Rule2 if this distance 0<=A <600m then there is 80% of chance to fill back with Type3

Mesh 3

10

Rule3 if this distance A >16000mm then there is 80% of chance to fill back with Type1

define the specific location of the three floors,then convert the floors to three meshes

Distance(A) CENTRAL POINT

11

measure the distance between central and the nearest point on the mesh

InfiniteVoxels 178

12

13

voxels with different identifition

not proformance in strcutres 90% to be removed

initial aggregation

value 0-10

not proformance in strong strcutres 30% to be removed

value 10-60

proformance in strong strcutres 0% to be removed

value 60-100

14

15

set an assessment value of displacement from 1-100

InfiniteVoxels 179

remove the part not performance in structure

08 ARCHITECTURAL SPECULATION 04. second domino approach

InfiniteVoxels 180

1. 100%foam

value 10-30

2. 80%foam

value 20-60

3. 70%foam

value 60-80

4. 50%foam

value 80-90

5. 0%foam

value 80-100

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08 ARCHITECTURAL SPECULATION 04. second domino approach

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: We would like to express our gratitude to our tutors Gillees Retsin, Manuel Jimenez Garcia and Vicente Soler Senent (Research Cluster 4 tutors at Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL) for their advice and support in both the research and design projects throughout the year. We are also deeply indebted to all the staff at the B-MADE.

The Bartlett School of Architecture MArch Architecture Design Research Cluster 4

InfiniteVoxels I Chao Jiang Andrés González Molino Zhixin Sun Tutors I Gilles Retsin Manuel Jimenez García Vicente Soler Senén