6. Computational Couture¶
This week's challenge is to learn parametric design on Grasshopper with which we will get a 3D file that can be 3D printed. I have taken as inspiration work done by designers who make use of the 3D printer.
To me, it's a new language, some new methods to be capable to create interesting and uncountable designs. Interesting world ready to explore!
When I first came across the term 3D printing, the first thing that came to mind was the work of Iris Van Herpen. She has been my greatest inspiration for 3D printing and laser cutting, motivating me to create a small sample inspired by her collection. Most of my inspiration comes from—
Process and Workflow
STL/OBJ - Slicer (layers) CURA software - 3d printer
In the FABLAB we have the PLA (PolyTerra) and the FLEX (SmartFil) options to print, both of them 1.75mm nozzle size.
Set the machine:
1) Home.
2) Place the fabric over the bed using clippers. It’s easy to start clipping in the middle of the bed. It Depends on the design stretch or not the fabric.
3) Calibrate the bed. The nozzle must not drag the fabric and must briefly touch the textile.
4) Take the nozzle in the origin.
5) Cut the filament diagonal.
6) Push the filament (must go out a little to clean the previous material).
7) Turn on the temperature in the bed and nozzle to start warming up. Wait until the heat starts printing.
8) Connect the SD Card.
Prepare the file:
1) Transform your design into a closed mesh in Rhino.
2) Export to a . STL file.
How I Generated STL Files from Grasshopper¶
To prepare my 3D design for printing, I used Grasshopper with Rhino and followed these steps to generate an STL file:
a. Designed the Model in Grasshopper
I created my parametric design in Grasshopper by connecting components to generate the 3D geometry I wanted. I used sliders and inputs to fine-tune the shape and dimensions.
b. Baked the Geometry into Rhino
Once the design was complete, I selected the final geometry and right-clicked on the Grasshopper component, then chose “Bake”. This sent the geometry into the Rhino workspace as a real 3D object.
c. Exported the Geometry as an STL File
In Rhino, I selected the baked object and went to: File > Export Selected Then I chose STL (.stl) as the file format and saved the file.
c. Adjusted STL Export Settings
In the STL export options, I selected Binary (for a smaller file size), checked that the units were correct (usually millimeters), and used the Preview to confirm the mesh quality. I then clicked OK to export.
The STL file was now ready to be used for 3D printing.
3) Open it in CURA (Slicer software)
4) Set the following printer settings:
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Printer | Creality CR-200 |
| Slicer | Ultimaker Cura |
| Material | PLA |
| Layer Height | 0.2 mm |
| Wall Thickness | 0.8 mm |
| Infill Density | 20% |
| Printing Temperature | 220°C |
| Build Plate Temperature | 60°C |
| Print Speed | 50 mm/s |
| Support | None |
5) Save the file (Gcode is the file that you send to the printer with all the instructions and coordinates of your design) on the SD card or upload (Depending on the software machine).
6) Print
My investigation
In the following part, there are the 2 different samples I was working on during the week:
Sample 1: Garnia flower¶
For this sample I wasn't intended for fabric printing, because I simply wanted to explore how detailed Grasshopper can be.
Here you could see the investigation:
At first, I was really confused by the diagram. I experimented with different shapes and used the Graph Mapper to figure out my pattern. However, when I tried to create a BB Offset and extrude the geometry, it didn’t work. I spent hours trying to figure out what went wrong with the connections. Luckily, Magali helped me understand that I was working with an area instead of a polyline, which was the cause of the problem!
After designing in Grasshopper, I continued the process by slicing the model to prepare it for fabrication. Slicing allows me to convert the 3D design into layers and generate the necessary toolpaths for the machine. This step is essential to ensure accurate printing or cutting, based on the chosen material and machine settings.
I printed a version without the fabric on the table before the final version.
Sample 2: Buttercup flower¶
First of all, I identify how this script works, then I adjust the flower moving the lines in Rhino and the different parameters in Grasshopper. When I get the design in 2D (Polyline) I need to create the BB Offset, the Boundary Surfaces and then extrude in the Z axis. Subsequently, I add the Mesh Brap and the Mesh Join to join all.
I decided to show all the steps related this flower, down here in this canva
Grasshopper steps by Kwizera Ganza Eliane Josee
TIME TO PRINT
RESULT
Fabrication Files
Useful Links