It was only yesterday that we took a look at Autodesk’s Project Shapeshifter and explored how it is moving away from existing simple modeling apps and into more complex modeling aimed at the consumer market. Although 3D printer sales have surged (and will continue to do so), the bridge between concept and well-executed print is still a long one for most consumers: there’s a reason why we have four-year industrial design and mechanical engineering degrees. Yet this long divide presents a plethora of opportunities for new platforms to bring that division a little closer while keeping designs more exciting than the typical pre-made pencil-toppers, cups, and figurines. The Kinematics app from Nervous System is the latest platform that not only wants to bring 3D printing to the consumer market, but the self-assembling 4D printing experience as well. We took a look at the platform to see how quickly we could throw together our own little 4D jewelry collection.
Great Potential for Larger Applications?
With Kinematics, users are able to create complex, foldable patterns composed of articulated modules that are controlled by control points similar to those seen in CAD programs. Essentially, the platform is taking large objects and compressing them down for 3D printing through simulation while at the same time enabling the production of intricate patterns that are able to conform easily. Each component is 3D printed in-place within the assembly which ultimately omits the need for any post-print assembly.
“Kinematics allows us to design a shape and then fold it into a more compressed form for 3D printing. Items we’ve created so far are flexible, but rigid objects could be created by introducing a hinge joint that locks at a preferred angle.”
While it’s safe to say that Kinematics chose the jewelry design route as a way of introducing their platform, it’ll be interesting to see how far they take the project into larger-scale and more customizable applications for professionals and consumers alike—such as printing variable sizes of connecting fabric ‘squares’ that can be used to create other objects. On their blog, Nervous System has examples of various dress designs using the method, so scale-wise it is completely feasible:
Here, we gave their jewelry design platform a spin to see what we could come up with in about three minutes. The results? Not bad.
(Images via Nervous System)
