Meng, Y;
Wang, S;
Campuzano, C;
Moriuchi, S;
Sideropoulos, N;
Anderson, J;
King, N;
(2025)
Localized Multi-Pass Thermoforming Through Robotic Manipulation: A gesture-based approach to moldless multi-draft angle PETG sheet forming.
In: Reinhardt, Dagmar and Rogeau, Nicolas and Herr, Christiane M and Globa, Anastasia and Chen, Jielin and Narahara, Taro, (eds.)
Proceedings of the International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia.
(pp. pp. 407-416).
CAADRIA
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Abstract
In contemporary architecture, the demand for complex geometric variability in building envelopes necessitates innovative and automated manufacturing processes. With building envelopes frequently constructed from thermoplastic sheets, thermoforming emerges as a rapid shaping technique with exciting design potential. However, traditional applications are constrained by reliance on singleuse molds and their limited ability to produce complex shapes due to single-orientation draft angles required for mold release. This research explores a novel robotic thermoforming process that enables moldless, variable forming with multi-axis draft angles, creating unique design outcomes previously unachievable through conventional methods. A custom robot end-effector has been developed to allow localized, iterative heating and manipulation of recyclable PETG thermoplastic sheets adaptable to various sizes and boundary profiles. The integration of design and manufacturing is further enhanced by a simulation program developed in Grasshopper, enabling predictive modeling of the thermoforming process. Iterative thermoforming is demonstrated through the fabrication of a multi-panel prototype, showcasing unique multi-formed parts and qualitative visual and material effects. This research advances the design and fabrication of building envelopes, particularly in the application of thermoplastics, offering potential for innovation in automated manufacturing within architecture.
| Type: | Proceedings paper |
|---|---|
| Title: | Localized Multi-Pass Thermoforming Through Robotic Manipulation: A gesture-based approach to moldless multi-draft angle PETG sheet forming |
| Event: | CAADRIA 2025: Architectural Informatics |
| Dates: | 22 Mar 2025 - 29 Mar 2025 |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| DOI: | 10.52842/conf.caadria.2025.2.407 |
| Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.2025.2.407 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the version of record. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. |
| Keywords: | Robotic Thermoforming, Computational Fabrication, Thermoplastic Manipulation, Thermal Control, Generative Simulation |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Engineering Science > Dept of Computer Science |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10219834 |
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