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6. Computational Couture

Research & Ideation

3D Mockup 3D Mockup / GRG

This week has been incredibly exciting! Although I was familiar with 3D printing software, I had never printed directly onto fabric. Additionally, I explored various Grasshopper plugins and gained a deeper understanding of the software's capabilities.

During the 3D printing workshop, I learn in detail about the mechanical properties of printing materials and troubleshooting when printing on fabric. I also had the chance to configure the machine, secure the fabric, and learn about the specific settings for each machine.

3D printing material properties

References & Inspiration

On the other hand, Julia Koerner talk was fascinating. Learning about her design and manufacturing process has inspired me to develop products based on the designs I created this week.

3D printing fabrics, Julia Koerner 3D printing fabrics, Julia KoernerJulia Koerner

Fabricademy Alumni Inspiration

It's incredible how Dinesh Kumar creates over 20 configurations of 3D-printed textiles with only 4 parametric modules.

3D printing fabricsDinesh Kumar

Tools

Process and workflow

I initiated my research by identifying scientific images of animals and plants as seen through a microscope. This practice has always fascinated me when creating artworks, products, or architectural designs. For my initial concepts, I drew inspiration from the structures of marine animals, ants, and flowers. Subsequently, I produced different sketches and began searching for tutorials to visualize these ideas in Grasshopper, ultimately selecting a model to print on fabric.

Ideation Science Photo

Ideation Ideation Process

Step #1

Once I had a few sketches on paper, I took one of my favorite ideas into Rhino to start playing around with parametric patterns. The idea was to make a pattern of circles on different scales.

3D Mockup

Step #2

For the development of my initial idea in Grasshopper, I see a series of tutorials. By breaking down the code into smaller steps, I understood each component and was able to visualize the final pattern.

I wasn't happy with the results, so I started figuring out how to make a radial pattern that would fit perfectly with my Rhino drawing. Even though I made a radial pattern, it still wasn't quite right, so I decided to try another design.

Step #3

The idea of circular patterns wasn't aesthetically what I wanted. So I started a new linear design that connects radially.To create the shape, I used five overlapping circles of different sizes.

Step #4

Finally, I created an interesting design for 3D printing on fabric and started editing it in Rhino to create surfaces and ensure that all lines connected.

Step #5

The lines were so close that I knew I needed a better way to adjust them. Petra suggested I use a Grasshopper plugin, which I did. Then, I created diagrams to visualize how the design would look on a bodysuit before committing to 3D printing.

3D Mockup Grasshoper file

3D Mockup 3D Mockup

3D Mockup 3D Mockup / Rhinoceros

Step #6

Rhinoceros to Ultimaker Cura

Before you send your design from Rhino to your 3D slicer, like Ultimaker Cura, check that your model is a solid piece. Also, measure both the model and the build plate to make sure it will fit on your 3D printer's bed. Finally, save your design as an STL file to prepare it for printing.

3D Printing Process

After exporting the model from Ultimaker Cura, follow these steps:

  • Select the material: Choose the same material you selected in Cura (PLA, ABS, TPU95A…)
  • Load the material: Load the filament into the printer
  • Preheat: Allow the printer to preheat
  • Insert material: Insert the filament into the extruder
  • Check alignment: Ensure the bed is properly leveled and the nozzle is a small distance above the bed to allow for smooth extrusion
  • Place the fabric
  • Double-sided printing: For double-sided prints, start with 1-2 layers, carefully place the fabric without moving the bed, and ensure no clips interfere with the machine's axes
  • Secure the fabric: If the fabric moves, use hairspray to secure it in place
  • Cool down: After the print is complete, allow the print bed to cool slightly
  • Remove and clean: Carefully remove the print and clean the bed with alcohol

3D Mockup 3D Mockup 3D Printing

3D Printing - video

Final product

Zander Webster 3D mesh 3D mesh

Tutorials

Fabrication files