Designing smart structures and utilizing the full potential of additive manufacturing requires a new design approach. Using algorithms complex structures can be generated with for example varying thickness resulting a range of material hardness. I will show you my approach towards designing an insole with multiple material properties using Grasshopper.

Working with new materials sometimes requires more control over your printing process. Instead of slicing a 3D object resulting in a file for your printer you can also directly design the toolpath for your printer. For 3D foodprinting we use this approach to create complex textured food. Using a generative design approach you can directly go from design to printing.

About Mathijs de Schipper 

Mathijs de Schipper is a research scientist the department Equipment for Additive Manufacturing at TNO. He studied Industrial Design Engineering at the Technical University of Delft and as a designer focusses on developing human centric applications for Additive Manufacturing. Since 2014, he’s working on projects in the fields of orthotics, embedded electronics and 3D printed food with smart structures and textures..

About TNO

TNO is an independent research organisation that employs some 3,000 specialists. We believe in the joint creation of economic and social value. Our strategy is a reflection of the trends we observe in society and technology. TNO connects people and knowledge to create innovations that boost the competitive strength of industry and the well-being of society in a sustainable way.