The business segment is often overlooked during bio-inspired development and only becomes a consideration later in the product timeline. This article examines case studies at different lifecycle stages and refers to these questions to understand how bio-inspired designers are developing their ideas. Similar to other studies on biomimicry, such as Fu [5] and Volstad [6], the goal of this work is not to criticise, but to bring attention to different working methods and ultimately open questions on how more societal, environmental, or economic benefits can be provided via the inspiration of nature.
Corlayer3d, Brook Kennedy Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is an additive manufacturing technology that extrudes material through a heated nozzle to deposit 2D layers that build 3D shapes over time. Mechanical failure below expected operating stresses is common due to the printing direction causing reduced strength in the z-axis. Additionally, FDM employs inferior mechanical forces, rather than chemical, to create bonds between layers. An article by Kennedy on his Corlayer3d innovation in ZQ19 [7] proposed a biomimetic solution that promises
enhanced mechanical properties in any additive manufacturing technology. Corlayer3d mimics the pattern of a seashell’s external wall by raising printed layers in the z-axis to become 3D structures. Although heat transfer and interlayer bonding issues remain, the newly defined boundaries block crack propagation along the plane. According to its patent, Corlayer3d “provides resistance to shear force”, “increases the structural strength of an object” and “can be included in any additive manufacturing technology on any scale”. Considering that the function of a shell is to “mechanically resist failure under environmental stress” [8], Corlayer3d was able to use the biology and create an improvement to 3D printing technology. However, it remains a foundational research project and the development process offers lessons for bio-inspired designers shallow/ reductive biomimicry
mimicking of natural form mimicking of natural process mimicking of natural ecosystems
deep/holistic biomimicry
Zygote Quarterly 28 | vol 2 | 2020 | ISSN 1927-8314 | Pg 87 of 140