Porous Facade research

6-axis robots, once primarily used in the automotive industry, are becoming increasingly affordable and versatile. These robots can be equipped with various end effectors such as milling bits, wire cutters, or extruders. Traditionally, milling operations required specialized software like SprutCAM. However, with the introduction of Grasshopper in 2012, it became possible to generate tool paths, robot code, and perform inverse kinematics with ease. Without prior robotics experience, I discovered that it was possible to create a parametric design and export the corresponding robot code for fabrication. EPS, with its insulating properties, is a valuable material for facades. In this project, we explored its potential by sculpting EPS into a smart facade. By mounting a wire cutter, we were able to create a cavity in the center of the prototype. Wire cutting is an efficient method for shaping EPS, but it is limited to cutting ruled surfaces. Combining this with other subtractive methods allowed for a faster and more effective sculpting process.

Project name_     Hybrid facade prototype
Scope_            Design + fabrication 
Parametric tools_ Grasshopper + KUKA prc
Fabrication_      CNC milling + CNC wire cutting
Date_             march 2016
Location_         Dessau Germany