3D Printed Responsive Wood Interfaces: Shape-Changing Origami-Inspired Prototypes

Abstract

In this paper, we present a study for a 3D printed responsive wood interface in which we employed a scientific approach to assess the effects of various 3D printing parameters on shape-change. A full factorial design of experiments is conducted to determine the variables that maximize hygromorphic response. Analyzing the results of the experiments, we designed and fabricated origami-inspired prototypes, and tested their bimorph and gradient actuation. The contribution of this study to the growing body of literature on 3D printing responsive woodbased composites is the integration of gradient actuation and origami-inspired shape-changing strategies.