Group 6
Two structure were made: 1) Table 2) Bench/Stool
Using the
material - 1) Glass Fibre 2) Random mesh
We started with exploring folds as well as materials. And then moved forward to deciding the structure which can be used in an efficient manner. There were some challenges faced along the way which are described in each stage below.
STAGE 1
Initial tried different types of forms and shapes which can be formed by paper. For the harder folds, the paper would tear so more precision was expected.
Size of the paper used -
13 cm x 39 cm
STAGE 2
Used Cartridge sheets so the paper is thicker and the capacity of folding is more so the paper does not tear. Explored all the shaped and forms using cartridge sheets of size -
13 cm x 39 cm to 25 cm x 75 cm
STAGE 3
Attempted different forms which can be used as a furniture such as stool, table, bench, etc. The major difficulty was to balance the structure and to make it such that it withstand some amount of load which is put on it.
Changing the folds and adjusting the size of the paper as well as putting some new folds to obtain a form which can add to the efficiency of the product and take the loads as well.
Size of the paper used -
25 cm x 75 cm
STAGE 4
Moved towards khadi cloth to experiment it on a greater scale. After applying the mixture of resin and harderner, we realized that the khadi cloth was too thin and it takes great amount of time for it to dry. The cloth also wasn't hard enough to fold it and make a structure out of it.
Size of the cloth -
60 cm x 180 cm to make it suitable for one to use.
STAGE 5
Changed the material used to make the forms to GLASS FIBER which can be hardened so as to make it such that it can take the load applied on it. This material was easier to use than the khadi cloth because it was thick enough to absorb the resin and hardener. Gloves were used to work with glass fiber so that the fibers do not get stuck on our hands. We used sponge to apply the resin and hardener on the fiber with the dab dab technique. Also one difficulty was to apply the hardener properly, because if it drips on your hand, it burns after a while.
Experimented and used the fiber and made a miniature form to make sure the larger one is made properly. Resin and hardener are applied as a mixer on the glass fiber to make it stiff. Applied tape on the folds so that those parts are left soft enough to fold and make it the form desired.
STAGE 6
Folded the glass fibre in the desired form but it was not strong enough to hold the load applied on it. While applying the resin and hardener we made sure that it does not drip on anyones hand. If at all it drips on the hand or on any part of the body, we used thinner (acetone) and applied it on the affected part to counter the burn.
A material named Random mesh was used which after hardening gives more strength to the overall form. The use of random mesh was very difficult because when the resin is applied on the mesh, it even sticks on the gloves. So we pressed the mesh for 2-3 seconds and then smoothly removed the sponge.
Tried putting the mesh evenly on the structure but failed a few times after which it achieved precision. After applying the mesh, we waited for it to dry so the structure achieves the strength. After which we cleaned the extra fibers which were poking out of the structure by using grinder and sand paper. After smoothening the surfaces, we tested the structure to see if it can take load and how much of it.
OBJECT 1 - TABLE
Size of the material - 60 cm x 180 cm
The table which can be used to keep things and can take load upto 100-120 kgs.
The folds were made more straighter. Even so, some of the fibers of mesh were sticking out of the structure's original shape so we used a scissor or a grinder to cut those fibers after they are stiff.
Made the table with increased height as well as increased surface area to keep it stable and such that it can be used efficiently.
OBJECT 2 - BENCH/STOOL
Size of the material - 60 cm x 180 cm
STAGE 1
STAGE 2
The miniature bench or a stool which can take load upto 150 kgs. Due to the dense folds, it takes more weight than the table.
The method used to make this bench/stool was the same as making the table. The folds were more dense than the table so we used small pieces of sponge as a spacer between to folds to give width to the structure.