3D Printed Fabric: Gcode Manipulation

During this assignment I explored how gcode could be used to design complex behaviors in a 3D printer. I also explored the 3D printed fabric as an alternative for punch needle embroidery.

1. Grasshopper
2. Rhino 6
3. Ender 3

**punch needle

** Embroidery thread

Using the code provided in class for a single slicer, I experimented with the layer heights and use ncviewer to preview the gcode. I was not able to print this test in the printer I have taken home.

I proceeded to test the slicer provided in class for a simple woven fabric inspired by Haruki Takahashi and Jeeeun Kim. 2019. 3D Printed Fabric: Techniques for Design and 3D Weaving Programmable Textiles.

I modify the code to increase the number of columns, aiming to create a wristband or base for a bracelet.

Originally I wanted to experiment using crochet and design a lace-like 3D printed piece. However, due to complications with my printer I was not able to do so. Yet, I experimented with punch needle, which is a type of embroidery that creates a 3D designs. I though this could work since the 3D printed fabric had similar characteristics of a regular fabric.

I divided the an embroidery yarn into plies and tested two sizes of punch needles. I also change the direction of the embroidery, the first test was done following along the pillars and the second test was done by embroidering across the pillars.

Challenges:

1. I encounter some knots that affected prevented the needle of feeding yarn, which caused irregularities in the embroidery.
2. It was hard on the eyes to look at tiny details in order to select where to put the embroidery needle effectively.