The imminent Future of Parametric Nodes

Complex geometries are undeniable nowadays, according to the enormous progress in parametric software. Giving a close look to the complex geometries; one can easily define the most critical points of any geometry, which are the connecting nodes. These represent a challenge for any project, based on the flow of geometry mesh; each connecting node could have a completely different form.

Accordingly integrating additive manufacturing to the process of facade manufacturing will have prosperous results. Additive manufacturing is a growing trend based on what it could offer. Some claim that Additive manufacturing has severe limitations to be applied in facade industry. On the other hand, the question should be; how should facade engineers/manufacturers expand their horizons so they could get into the process and start to trust and utilize.

The author claims that what is missing is the tool that can be utilized during the planning phase of any project. The absence of the tool that can solve the intersecting points/nodes of any project leads to certain repetitive workload.

The tool from the author point of view is defined as the parametric node, which could adapt to any geometrical condition. The first idea was to design a parametric node that could be manufactured traditionally. The idea achieved a success reaching the point that “parametric node” is conceivable. The challenge showed up in the kernel of the node as it could only adapt to clear geometrical forms, which presented a mind shifting strategy starting to look at Additive manufacturing and topology optimization to ease the developing process of the node.

The effect of connection type (Bolted – Welded) had been done to check the effect on the topology optimization process – as a factor of cost reduction - and Material testing for 3d printed steel specimens is in progress.