7. Computational Couture#

At the beginning of this week I had a problem on setting up Grasshopper. As I haven’t updated my macbook OS system to the newest version, Rhino wouldn’t let me run the feature. So backing up my datas in order to complete the update first has cost my a good whole day, and night.

I have previously started to learn about parametric systems on Houdini, another procedual graphic software, but with more powerful functions. I have been looking if there is a way to 3d print through designing on Houdini, as it potentially do-able.

First model: DNA spiral

I found interesting the fact that it is relatively easy and efficient to alter the shape of the object while it still maintains its general characteristics (the style we want to achieve)

While I was finishing the modelling and ready to export it to Cura intrface, I made a mistake to bake all the componet layers I have throughout the process, including all the scaffords. So it turns out to be a mess, with unprintable lines and geometries flying around that manual works need to be done deleting the extra bits.

I managed to create the spiral surface visually, but have had difficult time extruding the 2d surfaces to a 3d volume in order to print. Also to merge this sipral shape with the surface of the elastic fabric, I decided to print around half of the object laid horizontally on the printing bed. Rendering:

Second model: Lace#

I have had long interests in 3d printing traditional Calais laces, also to start with this purpose of minimizing repetitive labour exploitation, yet resembling the rich crafting cultures throughout the process.

Generation based on youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CvK3eYk2OA&t=919s