Thornshell
Background
Thornshell is a CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) project uses an algorithmic input surfaces to generate custom nodes for fabrication.
Role
Designer – Team of 3
Tools
Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper 3D, MasterCAM X, Flopath, C. R. Onstrud CNC, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator
Project Timeframe
3 months
Project context and scope
Thornshell was constructed almost purely through algorithmic equations and material exploration. First, a point field is drawn upon an input surface, where areas of higher curvature retains a higher point density, and low curvature retain low density.
The resulting points are then connected together to form irregular closed hexagons, which are then divided and extruded to form 4-branched ‘tree’ structures, that are then rejoined together to create a new object separate from the starting input.
The resultant form gains self-authorship through its own logic of aggregation, parametric relationships, inherent geometric constraints, and material conditions.
Project Construction
Material exploration was conducted on 0.025″ aluminum as a viable medium to construct the Thornshell, both in terms of scoring thickness for folding, and cutting thickness for creating discrete shapes.
The project was then passed through Mastercam X for machining tolerances and paths, and then again sent to C. R. Onstrud CNC and waterject router machines to create the final cutsheets for production.
Project Materials:
- .025” Aluminum
- Plywood base, supporting legs
- Aluminum rivets
