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.

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.

Useful links

1. What is Computer Numerical Control Technology