This furniture explores how 3D printing can unlock new possibilities in form, mechanisms and personal fabrication. The shelf system is comprised of triangular helices, cogs, belts and wooden shelves. The helices move together and cause the shelves to move up and down. This example has two different helices that are attached together. Geometrically they twist in opposite directions so when they are rotated one shelf rises and the other lowers. They have the same rotational frequency but have different heights so the shelves move to the full parameters of the height of the helices. The helices move through helical components that are screwed into the wooden shelf. The feet at the bottom are functional and sculptural, bracing the rods and housing each cog and belt. The helices and feet are great examples of the complex forms easily achievable with a cheap 3D printer.
The included parametric grasshopper file enables anyone to create their own variation of the helical shelf principle. The instructions included are for the version in the photos. This is at first prototype stage and initially I intended for a handle to cause the helices to rotate however there was too much friction so now I lift one of the shelves and this causes the kinetic change and the other shelf moves in the opposite direction. A clasp connects to a hole in the large cog and prevent the shelves from moving from a desired position.
The included parametric grasshopper file enables anyone to create their own variation of the helical shelf principle. The instructions included are for the version in the photos. This is at first prototype stage and initially I intended for a handle to cause the helices to rotate however there was too much friction so now I lift one of the shelves and this causes the kinetic change and the other shelf moves in the opposite direction. A clasp connects to a hole in the large cog and prevent the shelves from moving from a desired position.
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Signing UpStep 1: Materials/ printed parts
You will need
ABS (FDM 3D Printer) download the STL files (also available on Thingiverse) and print (refer to image)
Pillar drill
Drill bits (d)40mm, 25mm, 6mm
Selection of files
Wrench
Screwdriver
A x 4
B x 4
C x 4
D x 4
E x 4
F x 1
G x 4
H x 4
I x 4
J x 1
K
L x 2
M x 1
I will refer to the Key of parts throughout these instructions.
Parts B,C,D,G,J,L need to be filed down for smooth motion.
You may need some washers between parts G and E and I have included various different handles (I used M) My example uses different cogs as well, but you do not need to.
I used plastic weld to glue the parts together (http://www.modelhobbies.co.uk/shop/57ml-plastic-weld-cement-p-26493.html)
Wood
3 x 250,600,18mm (refer to image)
W1 x 2
W2 x 1
Metal
4 x M6 threaded rod 760mm+
1 x M6 Bolt 60mm
20 M6 Nuts
Thin wood screws approx. 15mm, 26mm
I used the cheapest M6 threaded rod. I think galvanized would be a bit more sturdy.
Belt
I used imperial pitch, L Pitch Rubber Timing Belts, (http://www.beltingonline.com/l-pitch-rubber-timing-belts-4582)
I got it cut at 1524mm length 8mm height, glass fibre,
ABS (FDM 3D Printer) download the STL files (also available on Thingiverse) and print (refer to image)
Pillar drill
Drill bits (d)40mm, 25mm, 6mm
Selection of files
Wrench
Screwdriver
A x 4
B x 4
C x 4
D x 4
E x 4
F x 1
G x 4
H x 4
I x 4
J x 1
K
L x 2
M x 1
I will refer to the Key of parts throughout these instructions.
Parts B,C,D,G,J,L need to be filed down for smooth motion.
You may need some washers between parts G and E and I have included various different handles (I used M) My example uses different cogs as well, but you do not need to.
I used plastic weld to glue the parts together (http://www.modelhobbies.co.uk/shop/57ml-plastic-weld-cement-p-26493.html)
Wood
3 x 250,600,18mm (refer to image)
W1 x 2
W2 x 1
Metal
4 x M6 threaded rod 760mm+
1 x M6 Bolt 60mm
20 M6 Nuts
Thin wood screws approx. 15mm, 26mm
I used the cheapest M6 threaded rod. I think galvanized would be a bit more sturdy.
Belt
I used imperial pitch, L Pitch Rubber Timing Belts, (http://www.beltingonline.com/l-pitch-rubber-timing-belts-4582)
I got it cut at 1524mm length 8mm height, glass fibre,
A.stl866 KBD 3xhelix long.stl832 KBE.stl190 KBF.stl1 MBG.stl194 KBH long helix bearing.stl164 KBJ.stl160 KBK x6.stl260 KBL belt bearing.stl103 KBM.stl74 KB
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