This project focusses on developing multi-nozzle manufacturing in two directions: application and tool improvement.

In terms of application, a pneumatic shading facade was developed, which utilises the expansion and contraction of auxetic patterns to mediate levels of light within a building. These patterns were printed with silicone using a multi-nozzle manifold. The re-entrant auxetic patterns are perfect for multi-nozzle manufacturing due to their cellular repeating structure. Also, because of the number and size of patterns needed for a façade, the increase of speed that multi-nozzle achieves makes the process more efficient.

During initial research, prototype manifolds could only create flat uniform structures. To enable the printing of complex objects, individual nozzle control was implemented. This was achieved by introducing pneumatic spool valves within each piston. This system is combined with a Festo 5/2 valve manifold and can constrict flow when a digital signal is received. This means the manifold can act as a single nozzle when printing the shell or outline of the object and then activate multiple nozzles when printing the material intensive infill.