Nov 27

Nov 27 4DMesh

4DMesh: 4D Printing Morphing Non-Developable Mesh Surfaces

Guanyun Wang, Humphrey Yang, Zeyu Yan, Nurcan Gecer Ulu, Ye Tao, Jianzhe Gu, Levent Burak Kara, Lining Yao

Publication: 4DMesh: 4D Printing Morphing Non-Developable Mesh Surfaces (UIST 2018) PDF

Webpage: 4DMesh- Morphing Matter lab

Role: Computational toolmaking, Bending-based flattening algorithm development, application design, documentation

We present 4DMesh, a method of combining shrinking and bending thermoplastic actuators with customized geometric algorithms to 4D print and morph centimeter- to meter-sized functional non-developable surfaces. We will share two end-to-end inverse design algorithms. With our tools, users can input CAD models of target surfaces and produce respective printable files. The flat sheet printed can morph into target surfaces when triggered by heat.

Video Credit: Morphing Matter Lab

We developed two mesh flattening algorithms adapted to 4D printing FDM PLA, one based on conformal maps and shirking actuator and the other based on Chebyshev Net Algorithm and bending actuators. Both methods are packaged into a design tool for Rhino and Grasshopper, with which users can directly model, flatten, preview, and generate fabrication files.

4DMesh saves shipping and packaging costs, in addition to enabling customizability for the design of relatively large non-developable structures. We designed a few functional artifacts to leverage the advantage of non-developable surfaces for their unique functionalities in aesthetics, mechanical strength, geometric ergonomics and other functionalities. In addition, we demonstrated how this technique can potentially be adapted to customize molds for industrial parts (e.g., car, boat, etc.) in the future.