ARCH 600: Introduction to Fabrication through Robotics Julia Frendo & Lauriane Touvron
C o n t e n t s Research and Inspiration
Design Iterations and Final Products: Session 1 i. The Lotus Lamp ii. Indent Session 2 iii. Concave iv. The Optimist Session 3 v. Relief
Conclusion
Research and Inspiration Our research mainly focused on different geometric compositions, followed by lofted shapes, patterns, twisted parametric architectural designs and especially product design. In fact, our first two design iterations were intended to test the limitations of the robots. experimenting with curved geometry and twisted forms.
The Lotus Lamp
65 psi
22%
medium
2/3 cup
2
We encountered a variety of new problems whilst trying to print out our first shape, the lotus lamp. Firstly, the relatively small scale of the ‘complicated’ shape made it difficult for the pattern to be displayed as effectively as intended due to the limitations of the thickness of the clay itself. Another issue we encountered were the many air bubbles formed in the tube once pushing in the clay when preparing the equipment for the robot.
Indent
70 psi
22%
medium
2/3 cup
Our second design iteration encountered less air bubbles, however, we still needed practice when handling the robot in order to achieve more consistant layering of clay. The main issue was the cantilever slop/overhang in the design of this form, which didn’t account for the weight of the wet clay which was not strong enough to hold itself up as more wet clay was pushed out and needed to be supported.
2
70 psi
21%
medium
2/3 cup
2
Concave showed less air bubbles and a lot more control in using the robot. The layering was consistant, however, the scale of this form was much too large and resulted in the shape ‘concaving’ inwards once it reached a certain height.
Concave
Designing the Project:
3. Mockup and Testing Iterations - Experimentation
The Optimist
Size Pressure - varied from 65-80 mostly 70 Viscosity - Clay 1 : 3 hand fulls Method Air Bubbles - how pushed clay through the tube Trial 1: 2 Different shapes, small tapered - clay consistency was good, practice in avoiding air bubbles and handling machine and design Trial 2: First shape was too large, 2nd shape very successful and first complete form - few air bubbles Trial 3: Retrial of last week’s shape - improved no air bubbles and new higher shape making use of a change in pattern
70 psi
23%
medium
2/3 cup
2
The Optimist was our first complete and successful form. It is based on multiple rotated hexagons which varied in diameter. Through practice it became easier to remain consistant with the layering of clay, especially after ensuring that there were as minimal air bubbles as possible in the tube before setting up the robot.
80 psi
22%
medium
2/3 cup
After having completed The Optimist we wanted to aim to complete a higher form. Relief is 17cm high and was a lot easier and more successful due to our increased knowledge in clay consistancy, layering technique and pressure, making it the 2nd of our completed pieces.
2
Relief
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After many attempts and appointments we are now confident in understanding how ceramic printing with the robots works. It is important to test out the machines in order to properly attain the skills and technique needed to layer the clay constistantly, avoiding air bubbles as much as possible and ensuring that the pressure at which the clay is pushed out is at the perfect balance so as to allow the clay to settle along its path as the robot moves and follows the path of the entire code. Another important outcome from this assignment was the use of rotated and lofted shapes on Rhino and Grasshopper. This helped us understand the importance of acknowledging the path that the robot is to take along the contours of the shape. As was seen from ‘Indent’ and ‘Concave’, it is important to take into account the weight, viscosity and of the clay as the shape being printed.