digital crafting: suple series by gt2P (great things to people)

chilean parametric design and digital fabrication studio gt2P (great things to people) has 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, 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 its presentation of the tool as part of the [D3] talents program at imm cologne 2012, gt2P has created an occasional table to express the uses of the ‘suple’ piece. made from aluminum and bronze, the resulting work uses traditional techniques derived from 3D print molds. 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 mold, the wax is covered with a ceramic shell made from a mixture of glue and sand.

3D printed components

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.

potential placement of the components

legs

‘suple’ connectors are made from aluminium or bronze

underside view

technical renderings

production process:

3D printed molds 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 mold 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

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