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This research explores the development and optimisation of cob impact print technology for the production of diverse architectural prototypes, with an emphasis on enhancing workflow efficiency and fully utilising its key manufacturing advantages.
The preparatory phases involve the cob bullet prefabrication process and the scale-up development of the end effector. The tests regarding parameters contribute to understanding and refining the key factors influencing the technology. Geometry investigations encompass the exploration of various wall shapes, including wall, catenary arch, cave, and dome prototypes, which are based on the existing and traditional architectural forms by other materials and construction technologies. The research explored their construction possibilities by cob impact printing technology.
The research further concludes the perfecting tool path strategies and optimising robotic arm operation to ensure precision and efficiency in the cob impact print process. The final prototype, rendered at 1:4, showcases the culmination of these efforts, featuring innovative geometry designs and actual printing processes.
The research was based on the prototypes that were designed. Different architectural geometries were explored, such as wall shape, arch shape, cave shape, and dome shape. The size of the prototypes was increased to be more architectural.
The old end effector could only carry the bullet with a diameter of 46mm. A new end effector was developed to carry bigger, heavier cob bullets of various sizes.
The whole workflow of cob impact printing started from cob material preparation, digital geometries and tool path design, followed by cob bullet prefabrication, prototype prefabrication.
Explorations of different geometries demonstrates the high construction potential of cob impact printing technology. Design opportunities arise from the high plasticity, easy reuse of the cob material, and the precise movement of the robotic arm.
The final prototype encapsulates our experiences and efforts through the year, whose inspiration comes from classic Roma style dome and metabolism theory. The smaller one with two openings is the initial attempt of the bigger one with three openings.