Exploration of Computational Design and Robotic Fabrication with Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing Techniques

Abstract

This paper discussed the exploration of computational design and robotic fabrication with Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing techniques in a robotic metal printing workshop in Digital Futures 2018.Based on the previous research on structural-performance based design and robotic fabrication, this year's workshop mainly focused on the Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing techniques and its possible outcomes.A prototype chair was tested for preparation.And the final target of the workshop was to build a bridge about 11m across the river.Through this metal printed bridge project, several computational optimization methods were applied to fulfill the final design.And Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing techniques with robotic fabrication were carried out during the fabrication process.