Smartgeometry Day 3: Prototype Fabrication

The parametric wave model from a distance.

In Day 3 of the Adaptive Structural Skins cluster we continued to refine our model to be fabricated at RoboFold.  First step was for me to create a new parametric model in which the surface shape curve was reflected off planes with adjustable height and rotation parameters.  This allowed a variety of interesting waveform shapes to be generated, the most interesting of which were saved, unrolled and sent to the laser cutters for initial prototyping in paper.

Justin and Jess are shown here attempting to assemble the prototype.  (Next time we will remember to tag the panels before cutting so that it is easier to identify them afterwards!)  Getting the flexible card stock lined up and bent to the correct matching curves is quite a challenge.  The problems we will face tomorrow with the final object will be very different.  That material will be a combination of aluminum and polypropylene sheets joined together, harder because they are heavier but easier because the aluminum will have been bent into stable curves providing a better starting point for assembly.

Close up view of the wave folds reflecting off the parametric planes.