Stretch-3D Print-Release: Formal descriptions of shape-change in 3D printed shapes on stretched fabric

Abstract

Researchers have previously explored 3D printing 2D shapes on stretched fabrics using plastic filaments. When released, the 3D printed plastic constrains the fabric to take a 3D form. By leveraging the material properties and resultant tension between the rigid plastic and pliable fabric, it is possible to create 3D forms which would otherwise be difficult to construct with traditional fabrication techniques. Multiple factors are in play in this shape-change. Therefore, it is often difficult to anticipate the 3D form that will emerge when the stretched fabric is released. In this paper, we present our systematic bottom-up explorations on the effects of various parameters on shape-change and formalize our findings as rules. These rules help to visualize the interrelations between (abstract) shapes designed for 3D printing, (material) shapes 3D printed on stretched fabric, and (material) shapes that emerge when the fabric is released. The rules also help to explore design possibilities with this technique in a more controlled, communicable, and repeatable way. We also present a series of vaulted forms that we generated using these rules and by stretching-3D printing-releasing the fabric.