2015
Research Prototype
Robotic Hot Wire Cutting + 3D Milling
The main differences between 3D milling and the 3D cutting process of RHWC lie in the point-based abrasive logic of the former and the linear slicing logic of the latter. While the first works by successively removing material, describing cutting paths at increasing depths in 3D space, point by point, the second operates by describing a 3D cutting surface in space, line by line, slicing out a volume of material. This general procedural difference has consequences in two major aspects: fabrication speed and geometrical freedom. When using such procedures in an EPS foam stock volume, both processes can nevertheless be used for the same purpose: production of concrete formwork. Nevertheless, 3D milling presents two key disadvantages: high production times and high material waste production. Two issues which RHWC proposes to address.