10. Textile Scaffold

Research

During this week, we explored diferent techniques and applications of technical textiles in the industry. We learned about designing custom processes that require a set of tools, processes, and workflows. In this week, we learned about using CNC machine, textiles for composites, polymerization, solidification, fabric formwork, crystallization, composites, bio-composites, and agglomerates. I find the new methods of textile production very intriguing. I focused on a few topics due to time constraints.

References & Inspiration

Tools

- [CNC]
- [spoon, tongs, wisk etc](http://class.textile-academy.org)
- [molds, textiles, textures, etc](http://class.textile-academy.org)

A CNC (which stands for Computer Numerical Control) is a computer-controlled machine used to cut, carve, engrave, or shape materials like wood, metal, plastic, or fabric. It works by following precise instructions from a digital file, such as a design made in CAD (Computer-Aided Design). It’s widely used in digital fabrication and prototyping because it allows for highly accurate and automated production of parts. Depending on the design you want to create, different types of milling bits (or end mills) are used in CNC machining. Each bit is designed for specific kinds of cuts, finishes, and materials. Choosing the right tool is essential for achieving clean results and avoiding damage to the material or machine.

Common Types of CNC Bits: Flat End Mill (2-flute or 4-flute) Used for roughing and finishing flat surfaces, pockets, and contours. Creates sharp corners at the bottom of cuts.

Ball Nose End Mill Ideal for 3D carving and organic shapes. Produces smooth curves and rounded inner edges.

V-Bit (Engraving Bit) Used for engraving, fine detail, and decorative work. Great for text or patterns with varying depths.

Down-Cut Bit Pushes material down as it cuts. Leaves a clean top edge—perfect for surface-facing materials like plywood or veneers.

Up-Cut Bit Pulls material up while cutting. Good chip evacuation, but may cause fraying on top edges of soft materials.

Compression Bit Combines up-cut and down-cut: clean edges on both top and bottom. Ideal for laminated materials like MDF or plywood.

Drill Bit Used for vertical drilling only, not for lateral cutting.

MATERIALS Commonly Used with CNC Machines:

CNC routers and mills can work with a wide range of materials, including:

Wood: plywood, MDF, hardwoods, softwoods

Plastics: acrylic, HDPE, polycarbonate, PVC

Foams: rigid foams, expanded PVC, insulation foam

Metals: aluminum, brass (only with proper bits and feeds; not all CNCs can handle metals)

Composites: fiberglass, carbon fiber (with safety precautions)

Textiles & leather: (for special use-cases or with adapted rotary tools)

Process and workflow

My first step was to look for inspiration and ideas. While searching, I found an old project from a student who made a brick out of fabric, so I started to search on the internet and found this.

I think these bricks could work really well as acoustic panels, so I really want to try it. I designed my mold in Rhino—it was a simple square with a small star.

After that, I sent the design to another program to set all the parameters for using the CNC machine.

In the following video, you’ll be able to see the entire process of making the brick.

First, I cut the denim into very small pieces, as finely as possible. Once I had enough material, I blended the pieces with a bit of water to create a denim pulp. After blending, I removed the excess water from the pulp.

Separately, I prepared a bioplastic mixture using water, agar-agar, and glycerin. Then, I combined the denim pulp with the bioplastic mix, stirring until it reached a uniform consistency.

Finally, I poured the mixture into a custom mold that I made using the CNC machine

here is the recipe Recipes

Crystals

Also, this week we did crystallization with different threads and fabrics. For this, we tried three different techniques: using alum, borax, and

Recipes

Crystallizing fabric or thread is actually quite simple. First, in a clean, disinfected container, pour boiling water and add either alum or borax, depending on the recipe you want to follow. Stir until it dissolves completely, forming a nearly transparent solution. Then, submerge the fabric or thread you want to crystallize into the solution. Let it sit undisturbed for a full day in a cool, dark place, making sure it doesn’t get contaminated by dust or other substances.

Finally, when you remove the piece from the solution, you’ll see something like this: On my fabric, small crystals formed side by side, but sometimes larger, more separated crystals can also appear

RESULTS