Designer Ayelet Kimchi introduces Swell4D, an experimental investigation into formwork and materials using hot water and air pressure to test, inflate, and 3D print Polylactic acid (PLA). Drawing from the techniques and formal richness of glassblowing, the project combines age-old aesthetics and contemporary technology to produce a collection of visually striking inflatable containers.

Swell4D is an experimental investigation into formwork and materials

all images courtesy of Ayelet Kimchi 

In this work, Ayelet Kimchi examined various approaches to constructing and managing inflatable containers, including ones dealing with structural adjustments and added materials. ‘What I found most intriguing and innovative was the configuration of the inner partitions; the containers are printed with partitions and inner ties.’ shares the designer. ‘Inflating these containers restricts them from the inside, producing new and surprising shapes.’ This process is also described by the project name: Swell4D. 

After printing, an unexpected and slightly uncontrolled change occurs in time and space. The lack of control in this process gives the containers a natural, animalistic look that is very different from the look that we are used to seeing in 3D prints. The study was documented throughout the process, as well as before and after the inflation of the containers. Kimchi also tested the feasibility of container construction by a parametric model in Grasshopper, allowing the creation of identical containers with partitions of different densities and shapes.

‘This study was a very enjoyable and enriching experience because I discovered a new method with tremendous potential that has yet to be developed into a specific function. I also enjoyed exploring and discovering the results as they evolved. For me, this is the beginning of more exploration.’ Ayelet Kimchi mentions. 

the lack of control in this process gives the containers a natural, animalistic look

ayelet kimchi has come up with a process using hot water and air pressure to test, inflate, and 3D print polylactic acid

the project draws from the techniques and formal richness of traditional glassblowing

name: Swell4D designer: Ayelet Kimchi

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: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom

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