3D Printed Ceramics
Personal Project - Digital Ghost
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Setting the scene
This personal project is a continued experimentation branching from my project on biometric jewelry. The project initially began as an investigation into 3d printed ceramics with the aim of creating packaging and is beginning to become a standalone project.
Initial Development
The initial development of this project began by creating design algorithms which generate shapes that lend themselves towards ceramic 3d printing.
The first algorithms were developed to explore the potential for creating ceramic packaging, these were typically vertically stable forms which allowed me to understand the ceramic printing process.
The algorithms used are similar to the biometric jewelry in the sense that a seed number can be implemented if desired, this allows me to continue the trend of truly bespoke product experience.
Essentially, the way the algorithm functions is that a defined two dimensional geometry is set along with a perimeter for maximum growth. This geometry is then continually subdivided by a defined number of steps and “grows” a path which can be extruded and printed.
The outcome of this creates a vertically stable path which I am able to easily print.
The file is then exported, sliced on Cura and printed this on my Tronxy Moore 1 ceramic printer.
Below are examples of tests using this algorithm which have been bisque fired in my kiln. Among the tests are two failed glazing attempts, unfortunately my kiln does not get hot enough with a maximum temp of 950°C.
Further Development
Following the previous tests I wanted to begin experimenting with design algorithms which would create a less vertically stable form, this algorithm should also allow for varying intensity of change in surface.
This was done by generating a loft created through multiple ellipses, the ellipses are broken up into multiple points which are then positioned randomly within set minimum and maximum parameters.
The randomness of the points could again be defined by a seed number.
The mesh can then be baked and trimmed to create and stl file for printing.
Current ceramic experiments
My tests at the moment are focused around creating more complex geometries building on the previous design algorithm. These algorithms essentially simulate growth creating complex coral-like structures from single defined paths.
The design generation is very similar to the first tests but each step of the subdivision is saved and raised by a set perimeter. This is then lofted as a whole through each step from the original geometry.
