Slicer/Gradient

Animated Fibers: Skylight / 2016

The Slicer/Gradient project draws inspiration from textile manipulation in the clothing industry. The final design is a culmination of a dialogue between the aesthetics of a large scale weave and the physical requirements of fiberglass infusion bagging as a fabrication method. Using two large 6-axis industrial Kuka robots and an external jig surface, the team has developed a workflow resulting in a parametric skylight mega-panel system that can be rapidly fabricated with two robots, one jig, and a handful of common shop tools. The external jig/robotic workflow eliminates the need for large one time use molds, greatly reducing both setup time and waste while maintaining a high level of precision.

In summation, the Slicer/Gradient team has been able to develop a workflow with unique strengths due to the use of 6 axis robotics and the characteristics of composites and infusion bagging. Using digital simulation, we can predict within an acceptable tolerance the behavior of the material inside the bag. This allows us to design with certain manipulations in mind that can be easily reproduced with the use of the robots. The result is a design/production method that is dynamic and economical at the same time.

Early Prototypes