10. Textile Scaffold

Research and Ideation

Textile scaffolds are structured frameworks created from woven, knitted, or nonwoven textile materials, often used in applications like tissue engineering, sustainable design, and architecture. They provide a supportive matrix for cell growth in biomedical applications, mimicking the extracellular matrix to aid in tissue regeneration or wound healing. These scaffolds can also be incorporated into fashion, wearable tech, or architectural designs, offering lightweight and versatile solutions. Made from materials such as natural fibers, synthetic polymers, or biopolymers, they are valued for their porosity, strength, and sometimes biodegradability, enabling eco-friendly and innovative uses across industries.

Textile formwork

Textile Formwork represents an exciting blend of design, technology, and material science. By using fabric as a mold for concrete or other materials, it makes it possible to construct intricate, lightweight forms that would be difficult to achieve with conventional methods. The inherent flexibility of textiles allows for the creation of complex and organic shapes, expanding the creative potential in architecture and design. This technique also supports sustainability, as it typically uses fewer materials, generates less waste, and promotes more efficient construction. Moreover, integrating textiles with varying textures and properties opens the door to multifunctional surfaces and groundbreaking structural innovations, redefining the limits of both design and engineering.

Fabric formwok with casting

Inspiration

Process and workflow

Fabric formwork involves using flexible textile materials as molds for casting substances such as concrete, plaster, or bio-composites. This pliability enables the creation of smooth, organic shapes that are difficult to replicate with conventional rigid molds.

Materials

Category	Purpose
Fabric Base	Forms the mold; its flexibility shapes the cast and defines surface texture
Yarns	Adds structure, texture, or interactive features to the casting
Casting Material	Solidifies to capture the shape and details defined by the fabric and yarns
Frame Structure	Holds the fabric in place, provides tension and desired geometry
Fastening Tools	Helps secure fabric and yarns during setup and casting process

Process overview

Step	Action
1	Build a Frame – Create a simple structure to stretch the fabric over
2	Attach Fabric – Pull fabric taut over/around the frame
3	Wrap or Stitch Yarns – Add structure or texture with yarns
4	Pour Casting Material – Slowly pour plaster, concrete, or other materials
5	Let Cure – Allow the casting to harden completely
6	Remove – Take off the frame and peel away the fabric (or leave it embedded)

For this assignment, I'm truly excited to dive into the technique of fabric formwork combined with casting. I plan to use yarn to sculpt the shape and introduce unique textures, allowing the soft materials to guide the design process. I'm particularly fascinated by how flexible fabrics and delicate yarns can produce organic, fluid, and expressive surfaces once the material hardens. This approach feels like a beautiful conversation between softness and strength, and I can't wait to see how the interplay of textures and forms will bring a dynamic, almost alive quality to the final piece.

Resulted Pieces

I thoroughly enjoyed this experiment as it was my first experience working with concrete, giving me the chance to explore new materials and techniques through direct, hands-on work. The use of fabric formwork and yarns revealed surprising possibilities, and I was intrigued by how the soft, pliable materials influenced the final shape of the casting. The process felt naturally exploratory and creative, which made it especially engaging. I’m looking forward to building on this approach and creating more pieces to uncover new shapes, textures, and artistic directions.

Molding using cotton

Inspiration

Inspired by Irina MyDIYLife's innovative cotton molding techniques, I see cotton not merely as a soft textile but as a versatile medium for crafting intricate forms. Her method of shaping cotton into detailed ornaments showcases the material's potential in sustainable and creative design. This approach motivates me to explore cotton's structural capabilities in my own projects, blending traditional craftsmanship with eco-friendly practices.

As an initial step, I began by designing a 3D model to serve as the base for my molding experiment using cotton. This process allowed me to apply the practical skills acquired during the course. The model I chose to create was a mini crochet hook cupboard, a functional and symbolic piece that reflects my work in textile craft. Designing the cupboard required integrating various sketch types and features within the modeling software, laying the groundwork for producing a detailed and precise mold. This step-by-step digital construction was essential in preparing for the molding phase, where cotton would be introduced as the primary material to form around the structure.

1. I started with developing the outer part of my model. And the following are the steps I followed to develop it.

   • I started with a sketch :

   

   • I extruded the part I developed by using extruded boss feature

   

   • After I created a fully defined sketch, which divided the part into sections, forming compartments where I would store my crochet hooks.

   

   • Finally, I extruded those sections I created from that model

   

all the steps in solidworks was done. so I had to save my model in STL in order to proceed to the next phase of slicing.

Here is the file

Crochet hook cupboard

1. Opening it in the slicing software so once I opened it opened like this so I had to rotate it.

After that I had to choose the 3d printer that am going to use. To do that, I click there written MONITOR and then I again click add and find the printer that I want to add, me, I added the Creality CR-200B as it shown below.

Once that stage is complete, we will proceed by adding features based on the specific look and requirements for our case. This includes settings like infill, which affects the strength of the print, as well as the bed and nozzle temperatures.

1. Infill: The infill setting determines how strong the material will be. To adjust this, click on “STANDARD QUALITY” at the top. Once the table appears, locate the infill section and adjust the infill density by entering a percentage (from 10% to 100%). Keep in mind that higher infill percentages will result in stronger prints, but will also increase print time. Next, adjust the infill line distance, which controls the space between the lines of infill. Finally, choose an infill pattern, such as lines or zigzag, to determine the structure of the infill.

2. Material: This section allows you to set the temperatures for the nozzle and the bed. The standard printing temperature for the nozzle is 210°C, while the bed temperature is typically set to 60°C. However, you should always adjust these temperatures based on the material you're using for printing, as each material may have different temperature requirements.

3. Supports: As mentioned earlier, supports are added to areas of the print that need them. To enable supports, click on the support option and select “everywhere.” The software will automatically generate the necessary supports in the required areas.

After clicking you will get this below, mine shows that it will take 7 hours and 44 minutes to be finished. And click save as creality.

Printing stage

What initially seemed like a simple project turned into a 15-20 hour challenge that tested both my patience and problem-solving abilities as I worked to bring my SOLIDWORKS house design to life.

The Initial Setup After completing the house design in SOLIDWORKS and exporting the STL file, I was feeling confident and eager to begin the print. I had carefully segmented the model to fit within my printer's build volume and had optimized the wall thicknesses for a balance of strength and detail. The slicer estimated a 4-hour print time for the largest section, the main structure, and I was expecting to finish by early afternoon. I loaded fresh filament, meticulously leveled the bed, applied adhesive, and started the print. The first layer adhered perfectly to the bed, which boosted my optimism for the project.

here is my final product;

Table step and description

Step	Description
1. Prepare Cotton	Use clean, raw cotton balls or fibers as the primary material.
2. Create Cotton Pulp	Soak cotton in warm water until soft, then blend into a smooth pulp using a mixer or blender.
3. Add Binders	Mix in natural binders like gelatin or cornstarch, and add glycerin or linseed oil for flexibility.
4. Form the Material	Spread the cotton pulp onto a mold or flat surface, press gently to remove excess water, and shape.
5. Drying and Curing	Let the shaped cotton dry completely, pressing if needed. Treat with wax or oil for durability.
6. Molding	Mold or refine the dried material by hand or with a shaping tool for the final form.

Process and workflow

Final result

Crystallization

Crystallize with Alum

Crystallization using alum (aluminum potassium sulfate) is a simple and visually striking process that produces large, clear or colored crystals. It’s commonly used in science demonstrations, crafts, and textile or fashion experiments (e.g. for texture or embellishment).

🧪 What is Alum?

Alum is a double sulfate salt, usually KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O. It dissolves easily in water and forms crystals as the solution cools or evaporates.

Recipe

For the crystallization process, I dissolved 30 grams of alum in 180 milliliters of warm water. As the solution gradually cools, crystals start to develop, forming clear and visually appealing structures.

🧫 Crystallization Process (Basic Steps):

1. Prepare a Saturated Solution:

   • Boil water and gradually add alum powder until no more dissolves.
   • Stir well—this creates a supersaturated solution, which is key for crystal growth.

2. Cool Down:

   • Let the solution cool slowly at room temperature.
   • You’ll begin to see tiny crystals forming as it cools.

3. Grow Larger Crystals:

   • Pick a well-formed small crystal to use as a "seed."
   • Tie it to a string and suspend it in a fresh, saturated solution.
   • Leave it undisturbed for a few days to a week.

4. Observe:

   • Crystals grow layer by layer—clear, angular, and often octahedral in shape.

Resulted crystals

Crystals have beautifully formed on a crocheted flower, creating an intricate and mesmerizing effect that enhances the delicate craftsmanship of the piece. The process of crystal formation involved carefully applying a solution to the crocheted threads, allowing the crystals to grow over time and settle onto the fibers. The result is stunning—each petal now sparkles with a unique, geometric pattern of crystals that complement the soft texture of the yarn. The contrast between the smooth yarn and the sharp, shimmering crystals adds depth and elegance to the flower, making it look like a piece of nature’s art. This fusion of textile and crystal not only showcases the innovative potential of combining different materials but also elevates the crochet work into something extraordinary, blending craftsmanship with natural beauty in a way that is both striking and sophisticated.

Inspiration

Textile scaffolding offers a world of creative possibilities, inspiring innovative designs across multiple fields. In fashion, it encourages modular clothing systems where pieces can be assembled and reconfigured, much like building blocks, offering both customization and sustainability. In architecture, it sparks the development of lightweight, eco-friendly structures like tensile fabric pavilions or temporary shelters, blending flexibility with durability. The concept also extends to medical applications, where textiles serve as biocompatible scaffolds for tissue engineering or wound healing. Additionally, textile scaffolding inspires the creation of interactive art installations, sustainable home décor, and even performance wear that integrates structural support. With digital fabrication techniques, the principles of textile scaffolding can be applied to produce intricate, customizable designs, merging fashion with technology. The modularity and adaptability of textile scaffolding also open up new avenues for circular fashion, where garments are designed for easy repair, recycling, or repurposing, aligning with environmental sustainability goals.

An example of textile scaffolding in action is the Tensile Fabric Structures used in architectural design. These structures, like those found in sports stadiums, exhibition halls, or temporary pavilions, are inspired by the principles of scaffolding. The fabric is stretched over a framework of metal poles or cables, creating a lightweight yet strong canopy that can support large loads while being flexible and adaptable. One well-known example is the Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest), where textile scaffolding principles were used in the design of the roof. The lightweight and modular nature of the fabric allows for quick assembly, disassembly, and reconfiguration, making it perfect for temporary or modular spaces. This combination of textile flexibility with structural engineering showcases the innovative potential of textile scaffolding in architecture.

CNC Milling Machine

A CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling machine is a highly automated tool designed for precision machining of materials like metals, plastics, wood, or composites. By using computer-controlled commands, it guides a rotating cutting tool along multiple axes—commonly X, Y, and Z—to shape, cut, or drill materials into specific forms with exceptional accuracy. Widely employed in manufacturing industries such as aerospace, automotive, jewelry, and prototyping, CNC milling machines are essential to modern production. They combine flexibility, precision, and automation, significantly enhancing efficiency and enabling the creation of complex designs with consistent quality. For more information about those machines click here Review on CNC

Key Features of CNC Milling Machines:

1. Precision and Repeatability: They produce complex parts with high accuracy and can repeat tasks identically.
2. Multi-Axis Capability: Machines typically operate on three axes (X, Y, Z), but advanced models include additional rotational axes (4-axis or 5-axis) for more intricate shapes.
3. Automation: Operated via programmed instructions (G-code) generated from CAD (Computer-Aided Design) models.
4. Versatility: They can perform various operations like drilling, tapping, cutting, and contouring.

Advanced Shopbot 3D milling (6/7)

Warnings:

The milling machine operates using X, Y, and Z axes, and it can replicate human errors, so careful setup is crucial.

• Always ensure the area around the machine is clear, and it has enough space to move freely.

• Tie back your hair and remove any loose accessories like bracelets or necklaces to avoid accidents.

• Never place your hands on the machine while it’s running.

• The hose manifold should be connected to the bag in the small room and turned on before starting.

• Avoid placing iron or metal on the table, as contact with the machine could create sparks, potentially causing the bag to catch fire.

• Stay attentive while the machine is operating—you are the emergency stop, activated by pressing the space bar.

VCarve Pro software

• put USB into pc, save file as .stl .obj

• Open VCarve shopBot edition Pro and open the file

• Job size X and Y > to measure with the Caliper (but write smaller measures to the material we have) | Material (Z) > Z zero (measure the thickness with the caliper) ! XY Datum Position: it is used to understand in which position the pivot will be located

• Model > Import Component/3D Model

• (we can orient our model) Initial Orientation > Bottom | Interactive Rotation > XYZ | Model size > (check on) Lock XYZ ratio | Units > mm | Zero plane Position Model > Discard data below zero plane | Initial orientation > bottom. (Use the zero in fist point of the foam. note: if you have positive and negative mould you should make different files and mill in 2 times).

Milling Machine

• Start the machine with the red switch on the side (you cannot load the software otherwise)

• Open Shopbot3 on your computer.

• The green dots indicate the limit switch of the machine

• Press K to work with the machine manually, the yellow box comes up. Bring the tip close to you and move it up on the Z axis (Pg up command)

• clean the surface as much as possible (sand if necessary)

• put the material on the plane after covering the surface with double-sided tape

• clip the material using two pieces of wood nailed to the sides of the material.

• lower the skirt by turning the butterfly on the back of the machine head.

• Collet and Bid should be fitting tight. The nut is the piece that goes into the machine.

• Connect first the nut with the collet and click and then put the bit inside and attach to the machine.

• Connect first the nut with the collet and click and then put the bit inside and attach to the machine.

• Measure the size height of the drill.

Molding a christmas tree using CNC

Steps to Mold a Christmas Tree:

1. Design the Tree Model 2D Design: Create a symmetrical tree outline, including branches and other decorative details. Divide the design into interlocking segments if you want a flat-packable or modular tree. 3D Design: Model a full 3D tree in CAD software, including layers or contours for a realistic appearance. Add slots or holes for assembly if making a modular design.

1. Generate Toolpaths Import the design into CAM software. Choose the appropriate cutting operation: 2D profiles for flat designs. 3D carving for realistic, contoured shapes. Set tool parameters: Feed rate and spindle speed based on material. Depth of cut and passes to prevent tool breakage. Simulate the toolpath to check for errors.

2. Prepare the Material Secure the material to the CNC machine’s bed using clamps, double-sided tape, or vacuum hold-down. Ensure the surface is clean and flat.

1. Calibrate the CNC Machine Zero the machine at the material’s starting point (X, Y, Z coordinates). Load the cutting tool and tighten it securely.

1. Start the Machining Process Upload the G-code to the CNC machine. Start the machining process and monitor for errors or issues. Pause the machine if necessary to clear dust or adjust the setup.

2. Finish the Tree Remove the material from the CNC machine carefully. Sand edges and surfaces for smoothness. Assemble parts if it’s a modular design. Paint, stain, or varnish the tree for decoration.

Useful links

1. What is Computer Numerical Control Technology