Abstract:
In this talk, I introduce solid knitting, a fabrication technique that combines the layer-by-layer volumetric approach of 3D printing with the topologically entwined stitch structure of knitting to produce solid 3D objects. This technique has the potential to be 3D printing that can be unraveled. I define the basic building stitch blocks of solid knitting and demonstrate a working prototype of a solid knitting machine controlled by a low-level instruction language, along with a volumetric design tool for creating knittable patterns.

While conventional knitting has a row-column structure, solid knitting has a row-column-layer structure. Our machine autonomously produces solid-knitted prisms, although it requires manual intervention in the first and final layers. Our design tool allows users to create solid knitting patterns by connecting stitch blocks; objects designed in the tool can be exported as a sequence of instructions for fabrication on the machine.

I also discuss the evaluation of the solid knitting machine, the mechanical errors that I have encountered, potential extensions to the capability of our machine, and the usability of the design tool.

Committee:
Gabrielle Ohlson
James McCann
Melisa Orta Martinez
Scott Hudson