Thornshell

Creating a parametric surface with software, fabricated out of aluminum.
Project Information

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 Year & Timeframe
2021 – 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
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