For four days at the end of October 2010, the folks at Cohda Studio offered up a testing ground for a brand new concept in furniture creation. Using the 1960s engineering tool Spirograph along with newly developed computer programming and the latest in 3D printing tech, they’ve created a DIY stool station! All you do is draw your spirals using a plastic disk onto the provided Wacom tablet, adding the third dimension by slowing down or speeding up your movements.
So when the data on your speed is collected by the computer, leg height, depth, and overall structure of the object are decided and mapped. At this launch, the machines were effectively set to create coffee table height design, but are configurable to numerous projects with variable heights.
After illustrating (or designing, however you look at it) your stool, the rapid prototyper is able to print up a three-dimensional copy of your stool. In the future, you’ll be able to take ownership of the images and 3D file you created, print a copy at your local 3D printer, or choose to have a group like Cohda manufacture it to your specifications. Words from Cohda:
“Why can’t individuals own the computer blueprints and data for the products they purchase or create, much like the music or movie files we store today?” Wouldn’t it be interesting for your kids to look through your old digital furniture album?
Designer: Cohda Studio
