3D Cocooner

Year

2016

The idea

Like a spider or a caterpillar, the system can build stable structures.

The objective

The 3D Cocooner can rapidly build stable lattice structures like a caterpillar’s cocoon.

Technical data

• Design software: Cinema 4D
• Multi-axis kinematics: Festo Tripod EXPT-45
• Construction space: 450 x 300 x 600 mm
• Construction speed: 10 mm/s
• Weight of glass fibre rods: 5-7 g/m

Function

Unlike 3D printing processes, which apply the material layer by layer, this system can build up complex shapes freely in space with high energy efficiency.

Spinneret

In the spinneret, the flexible fibreglass thread is coated with a resin. When the thread emerges from the spinneret, the soaked fibre hardens with pinpoint precision by means of UV light and then stiffens to become a sturdy rod. It can be reattached to the lattice structure at any point.

Kinematics

The handling system of the 3D Cocooner comprises a vertically mounted tripod that can be quickly and precisely controlled in space. It receives the required positional data and control signals from an animation software program that parametrically generates the 3D shape model of the desired structure.

Path planning

Along with the drafted mould model, the whole handling process is also visually stored in the software. This enables the entire path planning to be calculated live, optically simulated and transferred without intermediate steps to the real travel paths of the tripod.

Material

3D Cocooner