ryan penning's algorithmically designed + robotically 3d printed percy stools

ryan penning’s algorithmically designed + robotically 3d printed percy stools
all images courtesy of ryan pennings

the ‘percy stool’ created by ryan pennings, is a series of stools that have been 3D printed by a kuka KR150 robotic arm, and designed through the use of algorithms. a combination of strict and loose rules guide the path the 3D printer follows. the strict rules apply to the outside of the piece, maintaining the products topology, while the loose rules are used on the inside, adding visually striking forms and functional support to the furniture.

the use of algorithms allows for controlled and random shapes to be created at the same time 

these stools are the result of a design research project under the supervision of scott mayson, that explores the algorithmic design process within the industrial design field, through the lens of furniture design and a focus on additive manufacturing and robotic fabrication. the combination of algorithmic design and robotic fabrication showcases the possibilities that are opening up to the world in digital design and fabrication techniques.

the algorithm is strict on the outside creating a definite shape and topology 

on the contrary, the loose algorithm used for the inside creates unique shapes

the kuka KR150 robotic arm with a plastic granule extruder is capable of creating a wide variety of plastics at 6kg/h

in its current format, the extruder uses PLA and is able to produce parts up to 3m x 2m x 1.5m.

the robotic 3D printer allows unique intricacies and emergent behavior

the stool can be printed in a wide variety of colors

PLA (polylactic acid) is a biodegradable plastic derived from renewable resources

because the outside follows the strict rules, the stools can be stacked to create a bench
 

process video
image © ryan pennings

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: juliana neira | designboom