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6. Computational Couture

Research & Ideation

These are some designers that work with 3D printing

These are some of the websites that I found interesting

get inspired!

References & Inspiration

I've been looking into the work of Krizia Medero of Sew Printed on social media for a while and I find it really inspiring. Krizia uses desktop 3D Printers and flexible filaments to create all sorts of textiles, from fabric samples and sequin panels to complete wearable garments, shoes and bags.

  • Image reference

Tools

Process and workflow

For this week I did not directly start with grasshoper, the first thing I did was to test if the 3D printers we have at the lab would actually be able to print on fabric. so looked for a 3D designs on thingiverse that I could print on fabric, I found one of stars. so took I took the stl file and turned it into Gcode for the 3D creality printer we have, I printed a few layers then pause the print to add the tule fabric but it burned the fabric cuting it in pieces, I realised I had to move the printer bed a little lower so the nozzle does not touch the fabric. so I tried again but the print was slightly off that following layers were not on the same level as the starting layers.

Next I went on Tinkercad and tried using that, I imported an SVG file of a butterfly and it extruded it for me, I then copy pasted the butterflies in different sizes and added frame of dots. I then saved it as an STL then I put it in cura to slice for 3D printing.

For this one I tried a different fabric(Impuzu), just like the last test I did a few layers than added the fabric. For this print the first layers did not stick to the fabric but the top layers stayed

Rhino and Grasshopper

Trial 1 : Truchet pattern

I began by defining a grid of points in Rhino to serve as the foundation for the tiles.BEach module consisted of simple arcs connecting the edges of a square. I used Grasshopper to repeat these arcs across the grid.

Using Grasshopper, I added a rotation component to randomize the orientation of the tiles, creating a seamless yet varied overall pattern. I Adjusted the tile size, grid density, and arc curvature to test different visual outcomes. and experimented with curve thickness and tile spacing to balance the design's complexity and clarity.

Challenges

Understanding the logic of Grasshopper components was initially overwhelming. Ensuring seamless connectivity between tiles required careful adjustments and iterations.

Outcome

I Successfully generated a series of Truchet tile patterns with randomized rotations. I Exported the final design as a 2D vector file for potential prototyping in laser cutting or other fabrication techniques.

Trial 2 : Bubbles in a cube

I tried making something else but not for printing on fabric, as I was just tring to see how detailed Grasshopper is.

in the end I did not print this design because i realised that the design has some pieces that are just hanging in the air with no connection so it was not going to be possible to print

3D Printing 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 230°C
Build Plate Temperature 60°C
Print Speed 50 mm/s
Support None
Adhesion Type Skirt

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3D Models

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Reflection

This project pushed me to explore parametric design for the first time. While Grasshopper’s complexity was initially intimidating, the process revealed its immense potential for creating intricate, customizable designs. I look forward to applying these skills in future computational couture projects.

Fabrication files