This demonstration, based on our full paper, presents a physical prototype of a transformable modular system constructed from Snapology origami. By introducing geometric frustration into assemblies of rhombic and regular triangular prismatic modules, we introduce a snap-through transformation from a 2D to 3D structure. The motion is programmed by activating selected out-of-plane fold hinges around a vertex, enabling either smooth or snapping motion. Participants can experience the snapping motion, triggered by in-plane actuation of rhombic modules. The demonstration showcases the design and fabrication of our Snapology and its potential for programmable mechanical metamaterials.
Structural color-color produced by light reflecting nanostructures rather than pigment-is nature's iridescent color palette. In this demo, we present MorphoChrome, a handheld optical device for programmable, real-time, structural color fabrication. Analogous to painting with light, MorphoChrome creates multicolor designs and color-mixing by exposing a commercially available holographic photopolymer film to user-controlled RGB wavelengths, thereby producing reflective nanostructures. We also introduce a resin-based process to integrate the structurally colored film with flexible and rigid objects.
An automated 3DCP toolpath optimization method is developed and demonstrated on a 4m x 4m post-tensioned modular floor structure. The method includes (1) buildability optimization via normal-driven spherical shape analogy, (2) curve number reduction through adaptive Booleaning, (3) "nonstop" globally continuous toolpath with detouring travel lines, and alternative methods of (4) curved slicing and (5) infill generation.
Multi-material 3D printing combines the functional properties of different materials (e.g., mechanical, electrical, color) within a single object that is fabricated without manual assembly. However, this presents sustainability challenges as multi-material objects cannot be easily recycled. Because each material has a different processing temperature, considerable effort must be used to separate them for recycling. We present a computational fabrication technique to generate dissolvable interfaces between different materials in a 3D printed object without affecting the object’s intended use. When the interfaces are dissolved, the object is disassembled to enable recycling of the individual materials. We describe the computational design of these interfaces and demonstrate our technique across multi-material 3D printed objects of varying structural and functional complexity. Our technique unlocks a new approach that enables recycling in multi-material 3D printing without compromising functionality.
We explore the fabrication of curved surfaces by reusing panels extracted from decommissioned wind turbine blades, using cycling pumptracks as a case study. We first present real-world prototypes of pumptrack modules that we manufactured to evaluate the practicality of this reuse scenario and to define the boundary conditions for harvesting blade panels and assembling a track. We then propose an algorithm to optimize the segmentation of a wind turbine blade into quadrilateral panels whose sides fall within a small set of compatible boundaries. These panels form a library of modules that designers can connect side by side to create pumptracks of various lengths and curvatures. Together, these contributions provide a proof-of-concept of how computer-aided design and manufacturing can support circular design through the reuse of curved surfaces.
