1:10 scale prints
These test prints are a part of the research in additive manufacturing at UC Berkeley.
The primary tool used for scripting the machine toolpath is grasshopper. Forms generated on rhino (modelling software) are used as input in grasshopper. Locally sourced soil is sieved and mixed with sand in a 1:2 ratio. Addition of sand prevents shrinking of the print. Water is added and mixed well. Further, with the addition of shredded hay, the adobe structure is strengthened.
Toolpath Scripting
Testing toolpaths for maximum structural stability. Combination of smooth and doubly wave curves are tested out. Toolpath variation for unique openings are tried.
The layer height, wave pattern, wave amplitude and frequency is manipulated to generate varying structural and surface details. The script thus generated is exported as a G-code. This code is fed into the printer for print. Speed and extrusion rate is controlled externally during printing.
Openings
Different shapes of openings for doors and windows are tested based on load bearing studies. The openings in vaults are situated between the print layers and follow the angle of print.