digital crafting: suple series by great things to people

'suple' by great things to people


chilean parametric design and digital fabrication studio great things to people (gt2p) have developed 'suple',
a fixation system that allows one to join elements with several legs into a single connector piece.
the beginning points of the project look to the traditional chilean suple which is used in the construction field,
that enables the articulation of different elements that cannot connect by themselves. the parametric algorithm
of 'suple' makes it possible to create connectors for a wide variety of furniture objects such as benches,
chairs, stools, tables… combining this 'DNA' with a design function.



'suple' occasional table


for their presentation of the tool as part of the [D3] talents programme at imm cologne 2012, gt2p has created an occasional table
to express the uses of the 'suple' piece. made from aluminium and bronze, the resulting work uses traditional techniques derived
from 3D print moulds. the technical production of the component requires that a cast of silicone is shaped, forming the negatives
of the connecting device. 3D printing is then removed from within and filled with wax to make the positives.
when removing the silicone mould, the wax is covered with a ceramic shell made from a mixture of glue and sand.
to accompany the process, a casting cone is made to bring the metal into the shell, melting the wax at the same time.

the seat is cut by laser, and each of the legs of the table are turned by hand, taking as reference, the pieces developed from the
3D printing process. wood is treated with a varnish effect so that it retains its natural color, look and texture.
the integration of digital and traditional processes make it possible to move from 3D printing to craftsmanship,
each 'suple' stool standing as a unique furniture object.

'suple' is the first chilean design that uses raulí with dual FSC and fairtrade certification in its manufacturing process.



3D printed components



potential placement of the components



legs



'suple' connectors are made from aluminium or bronze



underside view



technical renderings


production process:


3D printed moulds are prepared for being cast in silicone



silicone is poured into the moulds to create the negatives of the pieces



wax is then poured into the mould to form the positives of the 'suple' components



the wax is then covered in a ceramic shell made from a mixture of glue and sand



a casting cone is used to bring the molten liquid metal to the shell



the set metal pieces are then removed and finished



finished 'suple' pieces