Project MSPIF
Category: Product Design
Incremental sheet metal forming as a medium to explore the possibility of craft in the digital and future age.
Project MSPIF - Milling Machine as a Drawing Tool
Project MSPIF explores the possibilities of new craft in the digital age by learning from CNC Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF). By introducing a new manual method of toolpath drawing and incorporating body engagement in the forming process, the technique creates the process of design through making and reintroduces the workmanship of risk.The project began with researching and learning about computer-controlled SPIF. A steel frame and a silver steel rod tool were created to test the forming ability on 1.5mm aluminium sheets. During the experimentation process, settings such as the toolpath, the depth of each incremental layer, and the spinning speed of the tool were tested and defined.
SPIF Frame Welding
SPIF_Test 1
SPIF_Test 1
SPIF_Test 3
SPIF_Test 3
SPIF_Test 1
Learning from the SPIF and adapting the technique and toolpath to the manual milling machine, with the involvement of human control, the requirement of concentration and the risk of failure, MSPIF became a new form of craft.
MSPIF_Test 1 (failed)
The first test started by imitating the toolpath of CNC SPIF, the outcome showed that by manual milling, a curved toolpath is unable to be created precisely. Also, the scratch caused by the friction of the spinning tool was more obvious than CNC SPIF.
MSPIF_Test 2
MSPIF_Test 2
MSPIF_Test 3:
Form Shaping with Vertical and Horizontal Toolpaths.
Form Shaping with Vertical and Horizontal Toolpaths.
MSPIF_Test 3:
Strength Testing
Strength Testing
The MSPIF not only create patterns but also strengthen the metal sheet. To explore the strength and structure of the MSPIF on a lightweight aluminium sheet, stools become a medium to test the structure of the formed object.
MSPIF Stool_1 (Linear Pattern)
First time adapting the forming technique to a functional object, the test started with a basic linear pattern on 1mm aluminium sheets.
Seat Forming Process
Forming Outcome
Metal Folding
Assembling
MSPIF Stool_2 (Transitional Linear Pattern)
Learned from the previous process, the MSPIF Stool_2 involved more body engagement during the forming process. By adjusting the height of the working table while forming the linear pattern, a transitional pattern was created.
Transitional Pattern Forming
Curved Shape Pressing
Assembling
MSPIF 8-Bit Flame Stool
A pixalated pattern is suitable for the MSPIF since the toolpath are all horizontal and vertical axis. By finding a graphic element in the metal workshop to use it as a source of the pattern, a flame pattern was found on a welding mask.
Flame Pattern Drawing
Flame Pattern Drawing
Forming Process
Side Panel of the Stool
Outcome
Graphic Inspiration: the Welding Mask Found in the Workshop