Recursive symmetries for geometrically complex and materially heterogeneous additive manufacturing. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bader, Christoph; Oxman, Neri
• Is Part Of: Computer aided design. Volume 81(2016)
• Page Start: 39
• Page End: 47
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Generative design -- Additive manufacturing -- Mass-customization -- Multi-material 3D-printing -- Design-exploration; Computer-aided design -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Data processing -- Periodicals; Computer graphics -- Periodicals; Conception technique -- Informatique -- Périodiques; Infographie -- Périodiques; Computer graphics; Engineering design -- Data processing; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.00420285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cad.2016.09.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0010-4485

Abstract

Abstract: We present a generative method for the creation of geometrically complex and materially heterogeneous objects. By combining generative design and additive manufacturing, we demonstrate a unique form-finding approach and method for multi-material 3D printing. The method offers a fast, automated and controllable way to explore an expressive set of symmetrical, complex and colored objects, which makes it a useful tool for design exploration and prototyping. We describe a recursive grammar for the generation of solid boundary surface models suitable for a variety of design domains. We demonstrate the generation and digital fabrication of watertight 2-manifold polygonal meshes, with feature-aligned topology that can be produced on a wide variety of 3D printers, as well as post-processed with traditional 3D modeling tools. To date, objects with intricate spatial patterns and complex heterogeneous material compositions generated by this method can only be produced through 3D printing. Highlights: Proposes a generative system capable of creating of a diverse set of complex objects. Shows dissimilarity of generated objects by a spectral method. Shows how generated objects can be fabricated with multi-material 3d-printing.