Introduction: Weaving Via 3D Printer

Because I work with textiles so much, I was really intrigued by the grasshopper code that created woven fabric. A process/technique originated by Haruki Takahashi and Jeeeun Kim in 2019

Link to more info


When I opened the program, it was so complex I didn't want to change much, but i first change the line width and added more material per hair. so I created a more dense weave than the original.


I couldn't figure out how to change the size at first, but with help I realized the Pillar params was where I could effect the size, I made the weaving longer and taller.


It was interesting in putting the raw gcode into the Ender 3 pro, skipping the step of the cura. Cura gives a visualization of the gcode. working directly with the code had advantages and disadvantages. For example you can make slight adjustments as you print. but there's more chance, because of not seeing the visual representation before printing. but that could also create more play. If I understood how to code, I think i would enjoy that aspect.


Supplies

PLA

Ender 3 pro

Gcode

Step 1:

I noticed the data node, was not linked to the large full grasshopper system, so I linked them here. it turned a node from red to green and I was able to export the gcode, so I think it was the right thing to do!

Step 2:

This is how my grasshopper code looked in Rhino before I exported the gcode, for the second larger version

Step 3:

The first print (before I realized I could adjust the size in grasshopper). came out ity bity and super dense.

So I created a larger one and spaced out the pillars more. it's currently printing and I will upload a picture when it's done.

I really enjoyed watching the printer 'weave', because it is weaving in a totally different way... it's weaving as building straight up and creating it's 'warp' yarn as it builds. (normally the totality of the warp yarn exists first- the parallel yarns that run the length of the weaving- and then the weft yarn weaves through but on a horizontal plane)

The movement of the nozzle also became very fluid and almost graceful when it created the over/under movement of the weft yarns.