The Geometries of Nature

Lighting effects can be generated playing with the infill characteristics of the object to be 3D printed.

Project Info

DATE:

2017/2018

PROFESSORS:

Bordegoni, Graziosi, Tamburrino

TEAM MEMBERS:

Fabio Desogus, Valeria Guiot, Giorgia Palazzo

COURSE:

VIRTUAL AND PHYSICAL PROTOTYPING

KEYWORDS:

3d printing, physical prototyping, lighting effects, pattern, polycarbonate

OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT

The aim of the project is to explore how lighting effects can be generated playing with the infill characteristics of the object to be printed. The project consists in exploring how lighting effects can be generated playing with the infill characteristics of the object to be printed. The objective is to use the infill of 3D printed objects to create ad hoc internal paths for the light generated by a source placed close to or within the object.

 

This study focuses on the experimentation of intrinsic properties of FDM infill to create aesthetical effects. Unlike some other previously published studies, this study factored infill patterns not in their mechanical properties or costs but their optical properties. To achieve it we created a lamp throughout test and trials using different source of lights on PLA and PC prototypes.

The objective of this project was to experiment with the different layers and patterns existing in Cura Software taking advantages of the properties of the printer to create a lamp in polycarbonate enhancing its lighting effects. Patterns have never been the main focus as Aesthetics features but especially in their mechanical features and Strength and Production Cost (Liseli Baich, 2016).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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This research provide the reader of a general understanding about FDM techniques, PLA and PC materials and also to investigate the relationship among infill pattern designs, infill density, presence/absence of shells, valorise optical properties of PLA to create lighting effects.

For more informarmations, please contact fabio.desogus@mail.polimi.it