Binary Furniture
The Binary Process was developed by Cohda to raise awareness of 3D printing and allow the public to engage with this revolutionary technology. By drawing spirographs directly onto a digital screen a newly developed computer programme adds a third dimension by tracking speed, pressure and time, and generates a printable 3-dimensional Binary Table file.
By expanding the mathematical principles of the 1960s engineering tool Spirograph into 3-dimensions, and linking this with a newly developed computer programme and the latest 3D Printing technologies, it’s now as simple to create a table as it was drawing a spiral in the 1960s. The difference to the 2D version is that the Binary spirals are drawn directly onto a digital computer tablet where the Binary Process programme adds a third dimension by tracking the speed, pressure and time it takes the user to create the spiral. The collected data determines the surface configuration, leg height, depth and overall structure of the object.
The programme then generates a digital 3D product file ready for 3D Printing or Rapid Prototyping. This process allows the printing of 3D products layer-by-layer, similar to printing on paper. For Cohda this experimental process is the first step towards digital ownership of products and future possibilities in Rapid Prototyping. 'Why can’t individuals own the computer blueprints and data for the products they purchase or create, much like the music or movie files we store today?'
Users who create their own product will have the option to (a) take ownership of the virtual 3D product data, (b) print a version of their product at a local 3D Printer, or (c) have the table produced and shipped to them by Cohda. It is up to the user to choose to bring the furniture into existence or to hold on to the data until such time as the method of manufacture becomes more affordable. This way the products can be produced locally (minimizing shipping costs) and the user is involved in making environmental decisions.
Currently Rapid Prototyping is still an expensive and mostly unknown process outside of the design and engineering industries, but with costs steadily falling year by year, and companies researching the use of recycled materials in the process (Cohda included), the future possibilities are very diverse. If you would like to know more about 3D printing you can have a look at one of the printing processes of an early Binary Table prototype here:
So is it possible to design and manufacture your own piece of contemporary furniture without the necessary skills? Cohda believe it is.
Project Sponsors (thanks to all)
