Jun.21, 2012
New-York based consultancy Pensa created DIWire Bender which prints customized 3D shapes.
What is a DIWire Bender?
The DIWire Bender is a rapid prototype machine that bends metal wire to produce 2D or 3D shapes. Wire unwinds from a spool, passes through a series of wheels that straighten it, and then feeds through the bending head, which moves around in 3 dimensions to create the desired bends and curves.
The DiWire Bender got so many attention from media and a lot of people have been asking how to put it together. The Pensa team decided to upload a quick video showing how to assemble the DiWire.
They note that there are still many ways to improve the prototype. For example the 3D printed parts can be made stronger for bending more substantial material etc. So there is a lot of space for you to make the improvements. The team has uploaded the parts list (BOM - Bill of Materials), 3D Files and code on the Google code site here.
The video below shows how bends and curves are created from digital files.
Simply draw curves in the computer, import the file into our software and press print. Our software can read vector files (e.g., Adobe Illustrator files), Rhino or Wavefront OBJ 3D files, text files of commands (e.g., feed 50 mm, bend 90° to right…) or pure coordinates (from 0,0,0 to 0,10,10 to….). All inputs are automatically translated into DIWire motor commands. During the print, the wire unwinds from a spool, passes through a series of wheels that straighten it, and then feeds through the bending head, which moves around in 3 dimensions to create the desired bends and curves.
Images credit / Source: Pensa
Posted in 3D Technology
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Wow.. cool!