Jul.25, 2013
The Suspended Depositions process developed by LA-based Brian Harms and his team, is a project aims to blur the line between processes of design and fabrication in the context of rapid prototyping.
By injecting light-curing resin through a needle-like print head on a robotic arm one is able to shape freeform objects without the need for molds or other subtractive manufacturing processes. "The hair gel acts as an omnidirectional support material which is reusable, so there is no wasted material." explains Harms.
One major distinction between this project and other rapid prototyping processes is the ability to utilize 3D vector-based toolpaths. Virtually all other processes use paths generated via contouring a digital model, and rely on the hardening of each successive layer before being able to move on to the next.
The suspension of resin in space without added support material allows for the ability to navigate and fabricate directly on and around other existing objects within the Gel, as well as the ability to observe the process from any angle. The suspension of time in this process allows for pause, tool changes, manual injections, on-the-fly robotic injections, multi-material injections, live modification of the digital or physical model, and even the ability to physically "undo" by removing resin sitting within the gel via suction or scooping.
Watch the video below:
Posted in 3D Printing Technology
Maybe you also like:
- NAMII awarded 7 projects $4.5 million funding
- IBM recognises the importance of 3D printing
- EFF partnered with Ask Patents to fight for Open 3D printing
- Making clothes at home with your 3D clothing printer
- Co-extrusion 3D printing improves solar cells and battery
- Design Guide: how to optimize technical ceramic prototypes using 3D printing
- VIDEO: Researchers developing 'Bio-Ink' to 3D print human organs
- Freeform printing, 3D printing without limitations
- Rebuttal to 3D Printing Revolution: the Complex Reality
- 4D Printing: transform shapes with multi-Material 3D printing
- How far 3D printing has come since Good Morning America - January 1989 (video)
- Smooth surfaces of ABS 3D printed parts with acetone vapor