Digitally reconfigurable manufacturing approaches in 3D architectural cladding facades
1 October 2010 - 30 September 2012
Bulgaria
The EU-granted FlexiTool project (Contract 261925) was coordinated by Cardiff University, UK, and participated by other two RTD performers (JLU and VTT) with three European SMEs (ADA, IOTA and ROBOTNIK). Reaerch team from JLU (i.e. Jilin University), led by Prof. MingZhe Li, provided key technical contributions with their pivot expertise on inventive multi-point stretching technology, which has been used in rapid stamping doubly curved metallic panels of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza & Park, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, in Soule, Korea.
The FlexiTool project focuses on development of a digitally controlled variable geometry tooling and implantation market for manufacture of 3D architectural panels in high performance composites for the construction industry.
Multi-point thermoforming, based on JLU’s multi-point stretching technique, is developed to thermoform large thermoplastic facade and cladding panels (i.e. 3D freeform parts). For improvement of heating uniformity and speed to avoid uneven heating and overheat for full size thick thermoplastic blank, the heating and temperature controlling units have been updated through re-arranging the rod heaters and thermocouples. The results of application test with large-scale PMMA sheets have proved the technical viability of the new FlexiTool technology and enhance the attractiveness of new digital manufacturing approaches in construction industries and relevant services.
The main advantageous features of FlexiTool prototype are rapid, universal, sustainable and cost-effective with high re-configurability compared with present thermoforming using dedicated solid moulds or fixed hard dies.
It is the aim of FlexiTool to empower digitally flexible tooling technology with a clear focus on immediate industrial exploitation in construction and building, and to drive the development of reconfigurable tooling for the benefit of SME participants leading to new processes.
The FlexiTool project focuses on development of a digitally controlled variable geometry tooling and implantation market for manufacture of 3D architectural panels in high performance composites for the construction industry.
Multi-point thermoforming, based on JLU’s multi-point stretching technique, is developed to thermoform large thermoplastic facade and cladding panels (i.e. 3D freeform parts). For improvement of heating uniformity and speed to avoid uneven heating and overheat for full size thick thermoplastic blank, the heating and temperature controlling units have been updated through re-arranging the rod heaters and thermocouples. The results of application test with large-scale PMMA sheets have proved the technical viability of the new FlexiTool technology and enhance the attractiveness of new digital manufacturing approaches in construction industries and relevant services.
The main advantageous features of FlexiTool prototype are rapid, universal, sustainable and cost-effective with high re-configurability compared with present thermoforming using dedicated solid moulds or fixed hard dies.
It is the aim of FlexiTool to empower digitally flexible tooling technology with a clear focus on immediate industrial exploitation in construction and building, and to drive the development of reconfigurable tooling for the benefit of SME participants leading to new processes.