AccordionFab: Fabricating inflatable 3D objects by laser cutting and welding multi-layered sheets

Junichi Yamaoka, Ryuma Niiyama, Kazunori Nozawa, Yoshihiro Kawahara, Shion Asada, Yasuaki Kakehi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a method to create 3D inflatable objects by laminating plastic layers. AccordionFab is a fabrication method in which the user can prototype multi-layered inflatable structures rapidly with a common laser cutter. Our key finding is that it is possible to selectively weld the two uppermost plastic sheets out of the stacked sheets by defocusing the laser and inserting the heat-resistant paper below the desired welding layer. As the contribution of our research, we investigated the optimal distance between the lens and the workpiece for cutting and welding and developed an attachment which supports welding process. Next, we developed a mechanism of changing the thickness and bending angle of multi-layered objects and created a simulation software. Using these techniques, the user can create various prototypes such as personal furniture that fits user's body and packing containers that fit the contents.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUIST 2018 Adjunct - Adjunct Publication of the 31st Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery, Inc
Pages160-162
Number of pages3
ISBN (Electronic)9781450359498
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018 Oct 11
Externally publishedYes
Event31st Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology, UIST 2018 - Berlin, Germany
Duration: 2018 Oct 142018 Oct 17

Publication series

NameUIST 2018 Adjunct - Adjunct Publication of the 31st Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology

Other

Other31st Annual ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology, UIST 2018
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityBerlin
Period18/10/1418/10/17

Keywords

  • Creativity Support
  • Fabrication
  • Prototyping/Implementation
  • Smart materials

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Human-Computer Interaction
  • Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design
  • Software

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