Jan.29, 2012
Great things to people (gt2P) is a Chilean studio researching and experimenting parametric design and digital fabrication. It has recently developed two interesting projects: "suple" and "Cracked System".
gt2P explores and identifies the systematization of geometric, natural or artificial phenomena and creates generative algorithms that can control the form and function. Through this gt2P has succeeded creating standard methodologies for non-standard solutions.
"Suple" is a furniture fixation system that several legs are connected with a single connector piece.
How is this single connector piece made?
From 3D printed mold cast of silicone is shaped and it forms the negatives of the connector.
Then wax is poured into the mold to form the positives of the piece.
The wax is then covered in a ceramic shell made from a mixture of glue and sand. Afterwards a casting cone is made to bring the metal into the shell, melting the wax at the same time.
Finally the metal pieces are removed.
For expressing the usage of the "Suple" design, gt2p has created an occasional table. This is a combination of traditional techniques and modern digital crafting.
The legs of the table were turned by hand, taking as reference of the 3D printing process, and its cover was cut by laser. Finally, the wood was treated with varnish effect of "not painted", so that it retains its natural color, look and texture. This integration of digital and traditional processes made it possible to move from the 3D printing to the craftsmanship, to obtain unique pieces.
Suple Series: Design Process / Digital Crafting Collection from great things to people on Vimeo.
Another project is called "Cracked" which is a shelf system made from certified Raulí Beech. In this serie of design each panel is fabricated with embedded magnets so that tool is not needed for assembly.
It is shaped by different kinds of convex tessellations, regular and non-regular (in this case hexagonal type 8) made by rectangular pieces of wood, which can be combined freely in any direction, always filling the surface through such combinatorial. This product—from its general shape to the smaller pieces that comprise it—was parametrically designed using computer software. A set of pieces in steel of 1.5 mm thick was developed for the union system, which was cut by laser and folded with CNC machinery.
That is how the concept of digital crafting was born, based on the implementation of digital design methodologies and the experience and the know-how of Chilean artisans, who feed and contribute to qualify each "generative algorithms" or DNA. Through this concept gt2P has succeeded in communicating its ability to investigate, explore and experiment with new materials and processes, and integrate technologies CAD/CAM with traditional techniques and knowledge.
These two projects are presenting as part of the [D3] talents programme at imm cologne 2012.
Images credit / Source: gt2P & designboom
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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nice article to read, I found some unique designs too at http://www.activteam.com/booth_design.html
William Thompson wrote at 1/29/2012 5:55:00 PM:
This is an old method.. In my day, (45 years ago) it was called "lost wax method" We had intricate cutting tools made for us by this method..Funny how things are "re-discovered" by each generation