Speed of Deposition: Vehicle for structural and aesthetic expression in CAM

Abstract

This paper presents intermediate results of an experimental research directed towards development of a method that uses additive manufacturing technology as a generative agent in architectural design process. The primary technique is to variate speed of material deposition of a 3D printer in order to produce undetermined textural effects. These effects demonstrate local variation of material distribution, which is treated as a consequence of interaction between machining parameters and material properties. Current stage of inquiry is concerned with studying the impact of these textural artefacts on structure. Experiments demonstrate that manipulating distribution of matter locally results in more optimal structural performance, it solves printability issues of overhanging geometry without the need for additional supports and provides variation to the surface. The research suggests aesthetic and structural benefits of applying the developed method for mass-customized fabrication. It questions the linear thinking that is predominant in the field of 3D printing and provides an approach that articulates interaction between digital and material logics as it directs the formation of an object that is informed by both.