DIGITAL FABRICATION

Parametric wall Fabrication with Flexible molding mechanism

Student

> In this digital fabrication workshop based on creating customized adaptable fabrication methods, the ultimate goal was to design a responsive versatile molding mechanism. This mechanism should be able to produce all the components of a parametric wall and be controlled by an Arduino kit to produce exacting reliable results.

*/ [ Academic Project/2nd semester of Master study - Group work /]

*/ Supervisor [Dr. Katayoun Taghizadeh Azari | ktaghizad@ut.ac.ir /]

*/ Tutor [ Arman Khalilbeigi (arman.khalilbeigikha@ucalgary.ca) | Esmaeil Mottaghi /]

*/ Location [ University of Tehran /]

*/ Contribution to the project [

Mechanism Designing (Partial)

Material Study (Partial) scripting with grasshopper (Partial)

Fabrication Process (Partial)

> Geometry Study

Based on a profound study of geometrical patterns, two classified matrixes of the pattern were generated based on two key parameters; a) similarities in the method of pattern/network generation, which formed the first table (matrix A), and b) geometrical characteristics of the resulting shapes [formed the second table (matrix B)]. The objective was to design a customized fabrication mechanism corresponding to the method that the pattern was originally drawn.

> Technical Study

As using a customized machine is more efficient rather than using universal CNC machines, (in term of construction time, compatibility, expenses, developability and etc) mechanisms were proposed based on each class of patterns (from matrix A). These mechanisms were cross-referenced against the matrix B. Suitable features from matrix B like node-valency, angle deviation, continuity type and range of areas of each cell were parameters that performed as benchmarks that evaluated the alternatives. Eventually, a mechanism is selected which is fully integrated and compatible with the method that the pattern was drawn and secondly the resulting geometry has suitable geometrical properties. Based on the mechanism and pattern selected, a heterogenous shape was designed (a 200x240 cm wall) comprised of 120 modules. The mechanism provides a kinetic mold that adapts to each module with a real-time connection to design software using an Arduino Uno kit and servo motors coded with C# in the grasshopper..

> Material study

Subsequently, in the phase of material research, material strength and time of material setting were two key issues. A mixing scheme for concrete was concluded from various trials and errors, comprised of fast-setting cement, micro glass fibers, molding gypsum, and construction gypsum. This mixture enabled to cast off each module in a total time of 9 minutes. Casted modules rested for 48 hours and were assembled within a steel frame on a concrete bed.