Assignment #3. 3D PRINTING

The 3D printing lecture gives a wide overview about the latest techniques in printing machines and techniques.

The term automatic fabrication entails all automated process for fabricating 3d objects from raw materials; Rapid prototyping (RP) is one of the most popular machines used by artist for the creation of their objects, they are very accurate and can create any geometrical shape. These machines use additive, layering technologies rather than subtractive process that remove sections of materials (milling).

Another type of machine for creating 3d objects is the computer-numerical-control (CNC), this kind of machines are more expensive and hard to master, and at the same time they are much bigger, just the control panel is as large as the entire RP machine. These machines are specially designed for sculpting metal and plastics parts used for industrial purposes and for this reason they require the assistance of specialized designers and technicians to make them function in the proper manner.

 

The main technologies for automated fabrication are:

 

Stereolithography which is a process for creating three-dimensional objects using a computer-controlled laser to build up the required structure, layer by layer, from a liquid photopolymer that solidifies. The result is a model made of epoxy, amber-colored, lightweight and translucent. Artist Michael Rees is mentioned in this lecture (pg. 318) since he is able to accomplish his surrealistic anatomies pieces of art throughout this type of 3D system. ( Computer-controlled laser machine below)

 

Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM): which is an example of stacking and laser cutting. LOM starts with solid layers and cuts away the unnecessary areas.

 

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): Is a robotically guided extrusion machine. Extrudes plastic filament or other materials through a nozzle. This is put down in layers where the object should be solid and cross-hatching (using a different substance) for areas that will be removed later.

Rubber and wax are also materials that can be used in FDM machines.

( See picture below)

 

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). This is a laser sintering process and it consists of sintering cross sections of an object from a layer of powder. This process has huge advantages and it can be used with a wide range of materials from metal powders and glass to nylon.

 

B.J Novitski’s lecture: Scale Models from Thin Air is very related to the content in the first lecture (3D printing). Here, the author recalls the rapid prototyping options that designers have and their advantages. He also remarks how high cost is not longer an obstacle for creating this type of models since prices have dropped dramatically at the time we decide to acquire this kind of tools. Today, more architectural and Industrial designers firms can own one of these machines and make their work faster and more accurate.

 

The lecture: Morphosis Models, shows evidence of how architectural firms are taking advantages of these machines to develop their designs and ideas. During this lecture they explain how do they make this models and  how the model is used. To prepare the model they break the digital model into pieces, carve voids into solids to save material and subtract parts that will be built manually. The lecture shows pictures from Morphosis models using the process of powder removal. After generating their models out of powder layers they bake this printed model in a small oven for about an hour at 200 degrees to finish the curing process. They also apply a coating of epoxy or cyanoacrylate to stiffen all models’ parts.

 

This kind of technology has been evolving in a rapid manner. Many architectural firms such as Morphosis use this kind of techniques as a primary medium to study and analyze their building geometry and spaces.

This kind of technology is definitely a great advance at the time we are designing any interior space since we are allowed to test not only geometry but also structures in the building.

Also, Designers are able to send these files via e-mail, which enable team partners at any location to print this information and work effectively. This is the way it works at the firm Morphosis, they can send their models around the globe to their clients and design team partners regardless their location around the world.