Accepting Gravity

Between Catenary Curves and Surfaces

Maggie Chao
MDes Mediums 2024
Pin Sangkaeo
MDes Mediums 2024
Benson Joseph
MDes Mediums 2024
Image
1 3D printed intersecting catenary curves.

How to create an irregular catenary surface?

‘Accepting Gravity’ aims to create a shell that acts upon the gravity with the method of 3D printing. By printing a straight lines horizontally on a template with a hole in the middle, the lines droop and become catenary curves. Multiple lines then create a catenary surface.

By create a template from plexiglass with irregular shapes that allows the filament to droop, we can create an irregular catenary surface. Editing the gcode allows the speed and direction of the 3D printer to be customized, which creates the final result as a 3D printed catenary shell that follows gravity.

Project video
Image
2 Irregular catenary surface simulation.
Image
3 3D printed lines on lasercut template.
Image
4 Collection of 3D printed catenary surfaces.