Expand fab: Fabricating objects expanding and changing shape with heat

Hiroki Kaimoto, Junichi Yamaoka, Satoshi Nakamaru, Yoshihiro Kawahara, Yasuaki Kakehi

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

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

ExpandFab is a fabrication method for creating expanding objects using foam materials. The printed objects change their shape and volume, which is advantageous for reducing the printing time and transportation costs. For the fabrication of expanding objects, we investigated a basic principle of the expansion rate and developed materials by mixing a foam powder and elastic adhesive. Furthermore, we developed a fabrication method using the foam materials. A user can design expanded objects using our design software and sets the expansion areas on the surface. The software simulates and exports the 3d model into a three-dimensional (3D) printer. The 3D printer prints the expandable object by curing with ultraviolet light. Finally, the user heats the printed objects, and the objects expand to maximum approximately 2.7 times of their original size. ExpandFab allows users to prototype products that expand and morph into various shapes, such as objects changing from one shape to various shapes, and functional prototype with electronic components. In this paper, we describe the basic principle of this technique, implementation of the software and hardware, application examples, limitations and discussions, and future works.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTEI 2020 - Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction
PublisherAssociation for Computing Machinery, Inc
Pages153-164
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9781450361071
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020 Feb 6
Externally publishedYes
Event14th International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, TEI 2020 - Sydney, Australia
Duration: 2020 Feb 92020 Feb 12

Publication series

NameTEI 2020 - Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction

Conference

Conference14th International Conference on Tangible, Embedded, and Embodied Interaction, TEI 2020
Country/TerritoryAustralia
CitySydney
Period20/2/920/2/12

Keywords

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

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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

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