Light Pillar
Robotic 3D Printing Exploration for Nonplanar Self-intersecting Surface Loops
University of Michigan, 2023, Group Project
Collaborator(s): Vishal Rohira
Supported by Taubman Digital Fabrication Laboratory
Advised by Wes McGee
This project harnesses the advanced capabilities of the KUKA industrial robotic arm and the robotic pellet extrusion system developed by the University of Michigan Taubman College Digital Fabrication Laboratory to explore the creative possibilities of non-planar 3D printing. Moving beyond traditional layer-by-layer techniques, this research investigates the potential of depositing material along complex, three-dimensional paths. The final result is a visually striking pillar object, crafted from clear PETG material and characterized by a series of self-intersecting single surface loops.
The development process involved several iterative stages, each aimed at enhancing the quality of the prints and enabling the robotic system to execute intricate non-planar printing paths. Key to this exploration were the integration of a rotary print table and nozzle tilting capabilities, which allowed for more dynamic and versatile printing movements. These enhancements enabled the creation of smooth, continuous surfaces and complex geometries that would be challenging to achieve with traditional 3D printing methods. The integration of computational design tools with advanced robotic control further allowed for real-time adjustments, ensuring that the printed forms accurately reflected their digital counterparts.
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This project showcases the aesthetic and creative potential of non-planar 3D printing, highlighting the ability to produce complex forms that transcend the limitations of traditional 3D printing methods. The successful execution of non-planar printing techniques in this context, particularly through the use of a rotary print table and nozzle tilting, demonstrates the possibilities for future digital fabrication projects, where design and fabrication are seamlessly integrated to explore new realms of artistic and architectural expression.
