entheogen
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©2024 entheogen designVirginia Tech Innovation Campus Sculpture Proposal - emergence
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emergence
We are excited to propose our vision of a public sculpture for Virginia Tech’s new Innovation Campus in Alexandria. We see Virginia Tech’s new campus as both a bridge between Blacksburg and D.C., and a central nexus, where students, researchers, and industry experts of many backgrounds converge to innovate computational knowledge.
We believe the concept of emergence — that small parts add together to create a whole more than the sum of its parts — visually demonstrates the intersection of the disciplines and research happening at the Innovation Campus, and has inspired the computational parameters of the proposed sculpture: many simple cells that compose a complex nexus.
We are excited to propose our vision of a public sculpture for Virginia Tech’s new Innovation Campus in Alexandria. We see Virginia Tech’s new campus as both a bridge between Blacksburg and D.C., and a central nexus, where students, researchers, and industry experts of many backgrounds converge to innovate computational knowledge.
We believe the concept of emergence — that small parts add together to create a whole more than the sum of its parts — visually demonstrates the intersection of the disciplines and research happening at the Innovation Campus, and has inspired the computational parameters of the proposed sculpture: many simple cells that compose a complex nexus.
process
signage indicates that climbing on the sculpture is not permitted
prior project: interstice
prior project: emanate
prior project: synthesis
parametric form generation
fabrication processes
Fusion Deposition Molding (FDM) 3D Printing
FDM 3D printing is a fabrication process commonly used in rapid prototyping for mechanical engineering systems, however, its use-case has expanded dramatically in recent years as printers and filament have become affordable and commercially available, gaining traction in the fields of art and design. 3D printing is far more efficient than subtractive fabrication processes such as CNC laser cutting, CNC plasma cutting, or CNC milling.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Laser Cutting
CNC laser cutters work best with flat sheets of material: we leverage CNC laser cutting to precision-manufacture the end panels for each cell. the end ‘effectors’ are not 3D printed to allow for different lighting effects. end panels can be manufactured as mirrors to reflect surrounding light (see synthesis), or frosted semi-transparent acrylic to diffuse internal light (see interstice). acrylic panels can be tinted a wide range of colors.
material choices
Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate filament (ASA) - [from Google Generative AI] ASA is a thermoplastic filament used for 3D printing. ASA is strong, durable, and weather resistant. It has high impact resistance, good temperature resistance, and low shrinkage. ASA is also UV resistant, unlike ABS, another common 3D printing filament. ASA is suitable for many applications, including outdoor use, automotive components, consumer goods, sporting equipment, and infrastructure-related production parts. It's also used to print protective guards in industrial and commercial areas.
-Due to these properties, ASA is suitable for exterior (outdoor) use for extended timeframes. ASA is estimated to last 5-10 years in outdoor applications and retain its structural integrity. However, because this application would be sculptural, we estimate that the material would remain durable long after this timeframe.
-Cost per kg: typically $30-60 per kg depending on quality and additives
-Energy consumption: ASA requires a higher printing temperature than other common filaments such as PLA or PETG. ASA must be printed at 250^oC, with a bed temperature of 90^oC.
-heat-extruding ASA releases harmful fumes, necessitating the construction of a special ventilation chamber, adding expense to the project.
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol filament (PETG) - [from Google Generative AI] PETG is a synthetic thermoplastic polyester that's known for its durability, chemical resistance, and formability. PETG is impact resistant, can withstand high temperatures, and is resistant to chemicals. It's also easy to vacuum, pressure form, and heat bend.
-PETG is more UV resistant than other 3D printing materials like PLA, and can maintain its structural integrity for several years. However, prolonged exposure to UV light can cause it to degrade over time. PETG is also known for its durability, impact resistance, and recyclability. It has a higher heat resistance than PLA, with an HDT of 70ºC and Tg of 77ºC.
-Due to these properties, PETG is suitable for exterior (outdoor) use for limited timeframes. PETG is estimated to last 1-3 years in outdoor applications and retain its structural integrity (though slight discoloration may occur). However, because the PETG would only be supporting its own weight and would not be used in a structural manner, we estimate that the material would remain durable long after this timeframe.
-UV-resistant coatings can be applied to surfaces to extend the lifetime of PETG for outdoor applications.
-Cost per kg: typically $20-50 per kg depending on quality and additives
-Energy cost:
-heat-extruding PETG does not release harmful vapors
-PETG is non-toxic and food safe