07. Computational Couture¶

Weekly Quest

Week 07 by Michelle & Asli

BRIEF

Disciplines as programming and electronics become highly interconnected, blurring old boundaries and merging different fields of knowledge. Fashion has been already affected by this radical change. Therefore, clothes, shoes and other accessories can now incorporate elements of hardware and software, generating a peculiar mix between fashion and computation that is incredibly fertile and inspiring. Data becomes Beauty, Interaction becomes Emotion. As a result, a new aesthetic is emerging.

REQUIREMENTS

This class requires basic knowledge of Rhinoceros, Grasshopper. Participants should bring their own laptop with a pre-installed software. The software package needed has no additional cost for the participant (Rhino can be downloaded as evaluation version, Grasshopper and plugins are free). These softwares are subject to frequent updates, so a download link to the version used in the workshop will be sent to the participants a few days before the workshop.

Inspiration¶

My Inspiration

Notes / Reseach¶

Notes from class

Creating a 3D model of a mesh-like fabric in Rhino and preparing it for 3D printing on a Prusa slicer and an Ultimaker 2+ involves several steps. Here's a detailed guide:

1. Creating the 3D Model in Rhino¶

Step 1: Open Rhino¶

Launch Rhino and open a new project.

Step 2: Create the Basic Pattern¶

Draw the Base Unit: Use the polygon tool to create a hexagon or any other basic shape that will be the repeating unit of your mesh.
Extrude the Shape: Use the ExtrudeCrv command to give your shape a thickness. For a fabric-like mesh, a thin extrusion (0.1 - 0.5 mm) is usually sufficient.

Step 3: Create the Array¶

Linear Array: Use the Array command to create a repeating pattern. For a simple linear mesh, a rectangular array with a small gap between elements can be created.
Command: Array
Number of elements in X and Y directions, and the distance between them.
Hexagonal Array: For a more complex mesh, consider a hexagonal array.
Command: ArrayPolar and set the center and number of repetitions.

Step 4: Optimize the Design¶

Boolean Operations: Use BooleanDifference or BooleanUnion to refine the intersections and joints of the mesh if necessary.
Check Thickness: Ensure the thickness is uniform and suitable for printing.
Remove Overlaps: Ensure no parts overlap, as this can cause issues during slicing and printing.

Step 5: Export the Model¶

Export as STL: Export your model in STL format which is commonly used for 3D printing.
Command: Export and select STL as the file type.
Set the export options to ensure high resolution (e.g., set tolerance to 0.01 mm).

2. Slicing the Model in PrusaSlicer¶

Step 1: Open PrusaSlicer¶

Launch PrusaSlicer and set up your printer profile. While you're printing on an Ultimaker 2+, choose a profile that closely matches it, as PrusaSlicer doesn't have a native Ultimaker profile.

Step 2: Import the STL File¶

Add the STL: Click on Add and select your exported STL file from Rhino.

Step 3: Set Print Settings¶

Layer Height: For a fine mesh, use a smaller layer height (e.g., 0.1 mm).
Infill: Depending on the mesh design, you may set the infill to 0% if the design itself is a grid, or adjust it as needed for additional strength.
Supports: Typically, a mesh-like fabric won’t need supports, but check for any overhangs.
Material: Select the appropriate filament (e.g., PLA, TPU for flexible fabric).

Step 4: Slice the Model¶

Slice: Click on Slice Now. Review the layers to ensure the model slices correctly and no areas are missing or incorrectly interpreted.

Step 5: Export G-code¶

Export G-code: Save the G-code file which will be used by the Ultimaker 2+.

3. Printing on Ultimaker 2+¶

Step 1: Prepare the Printer¶

Load Filament: Load the filament into the Ultimaker 2+.
Bed Leveling: Ensure the print bed is leveled correctly.

Step 2: Transfer G-code¶

Transfer File: Transfer the G-code to the Ultimaker 2+ via SD card or USB.

Step 3: Start the Print¶

Print the File: Select the file from the Ultimaker's menu and start the print.
Monitor the Print: Especially for the first few layers to ensure good adhesion and no issues.

Tips and Considerations¶

Material Choice: For fabric-like flexibility, consider using TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) filament.
Print Speed: Reduce the print speed for finer details, especially with flexible filaments.
Bed Adhesion: Use a suitable adhesive (like a glue stick or hairspray) if necessary to ensure the first layer sticks well.

Parametric Deisgn 101

What is Parametric Design?

Parametric design is a design approach that involves using parameters or variables to define and manipulate elements of a design. These parameters can include dimensions, relationships, constraints, and rules that govern how a design responds to changes. In parametric design, altering one parameter can result in automatic adjustments in other aspects of the design, facilitating flexibility, adaptability, and efficient design exploration.

How do Rhino and Grasshopper apply to parametric design

Rhino and Grasshopper are indispensable tools in the textile industry, working in harmony to enable parametric design. Rhino's 3D modeling capabilities empower textile designers to create intricate patterns and fabrics. Its integration with Grasshopper, a visual scripting plugin, takes parametric design to new heights. Grasshopper's node-based interface and logic connections allow for the rapid generation of flexible textile designs, including fabric manipulation, texture mapping, and customizable patterns. Together, Rhino and Grasshopper offer a dynamic platform for textile designers to explore creative possibilities, adapt to changing requirements, and push the boundaries of textile design and production.

Pseudo Code:

is a simple way of describing a set of instructions, in plain English, to solve a given problem. In some sense, Pseudo Code, is a set of organized thoughts for solving a problem. Using Pseudo Code, users express their structured approach to solve a given problem in plain and easy to understand sentences

Open Source Comunityfor Grasshopper

Experiments¶

Hot Glue Hack

Attempt 01 (collab Riley)

In collaboration with Riley, we designed a parametric spiked collar using rhino and Grasshopper. We created a short video to showcase our determination in attempting to print it multiple times, but unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in the end. It's all part of the learning experience:

Our final STL model for printing with Ultimaker 2+ :

3D Collar by ray.formilli on Sketchfab

Grasshopper Queen Asli helped us setting up the G-code on grasshopper, manipulating the length, shape and population density of the shape chosen: cones.

st peters basilica floor plan by ray.formilli on Sketchfab

thinkout side the box by ray.formilli on Sketchfab

3D Prints Attempts

Objective	Filaments/Machine	Settings
Stars on Lycra (creating manipulation of fabric in a convex way)	PLA 2.85mm color Traffic Red	Speed: 100% Temp: 200°C Bed: 50°C
		Machine: Ultimate 2+
Spikey Collar (w/Riley, soft spikes accessory for neck)	TPU/NinjaFlex color Hot Pink	Speed: 60% Temp: 200°C Bed: 70°C
		Machine: Ultimate 2+
St Peter’s Basilica Floor Plan (testing PLA on mesh fabric)	PLA 2.85 mm color Traffic Red	Speed: 150/250% Temp: 200/250°C Bed: 50°C
		Machine: Ultimate 2+
Sublimation Paper Trail (w/Riley, testing sublimation paper on flexi filament)	TPU/NinjaFlex color Hot Pink	Speed: 50% Temp: 250°C Bed: 70°C
		Machine: Ultimate 2+

Results¶

Reflection

Reflecting on this week of computational couture, I had envisioned 3-D printers as real life alternatives and solutions to world issues…The reality, however, proved more challenging. 3D printers remained costly and unpredictable. It's a highly technical realm. While I understood the allure, the week felt more painful than purposeful.

After finishing my assignments and wrestling with parameters, I chose to go with the flow. I relaxed, delving into the world of 3-D printing without overthinking. I sought to grasp the intricacies of Printworks, exploring its potential.

I also embarked on an exciting journey, hacking a printer to create bio-based prints. Amid the whirlwind of learning and accomplishing new tasks, I, alongside Michele and Laura, decided to embrace 3-D printing with calm and dedication, envisioning a promising future.

Yet, it's worth mentioning that our parametric design with Riley proved time-consuming. After two failed attempts and the need to change printers and filament, we realized it would take another six hours to print. In the end, we decided to explore different designs and techniques instead.

I don't dislike 3-D printers; I was simply carried away by their possibilities. Perhaps, in time, they will become my preferred avenue for exploration. For now, I cherish the opportunity to learn, work late into the night, and revel in my independence, crafting creations with my own hands.

Favorite Outcome

In the end, my favorite outcome is the one that gave me a more rewarding sense of actually having a tangible physical object. I could wear it, touch it, and iterate on it. The hot glue hack, where I manipulated synthetic elastic fibers like lycra using a glue gun, creating creases and voluminous shapes, resulted in two different lycra shirts. This accomplishment brought me great joy. However, I also learned that not having a final, tangible outcome resides in my documentation. Who knows, perhaps in the future, I will revisit it and make it tangible and real as well.

Tools¶

Software's Used

Future References¶

Dig Deeper

bio printing soon together with Laura and Mitchelle...can't wait (will try with alginate yeast starch and who know what will be next, fascinated in exploring to print as fabric)

Hacks

Michelle told me how to upload giffs as video in order to have an optimized resolution this is the code (remember to indent th eline the middle):

Google drive tutorials rhino

Image to 3D model converters only tool

Open Source Comunityfor Grasshopper

BE CURIOUS

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IG@JOINTSCIENCE

PINTREST INSPIRATIONS