Digital fabrication software supports common activities like designing models and setting parameters. However, the increasing diversity of fabrication materials and contexts means that determining the right settings is a constant challenge. Manipulating machine parameters and observing material results is necessary for successful outcomes. In this work, we present tools to iteratively develop computer-controlled fabrication workflows. These tools generate toolpaths using Javascript code, continuously manipulate parameters during machine execution, and document the resulting material behavior. First, we present software to interactively tune 3D prints. We use a MIDI controller to modulate fabrication parameters during execution. We demonstrate our approach through a set of 3D prints created with our software. Second, we introduce software which synchronizes video of a fabrication process with the machine instructions being executed. Doing so archives the effect of manipulating machine parameters. We argue that infrastructure which encourages exploration and documentation of both code and materials are crucial to support broader uptake of fabrication technologies in creative contexts.
@inproceedings{10.1145/3613905.3650966,
author = {Subbaraman, Blair and Peek, Nadya},
title = {Playing the Print: MIDI-Based Fabrication Interfaces to Explore and Document Material Behavior},
year = {2024},
isbn = {9798400703317},
publisher = {Association for Computing Machinery},
address = {New York, NY, USA},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1145/3613905.3650966},
doi = {10.1145/3613905.3650966},
booktitle = {Extended Abstracts of the 2024 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems},
articleno = {267},
numpages = {8},
keywords = {3D printing, Creativity, Digital Art, Documentation, Fabrication, MIDI control, p5.fab, p5.js},
location = {
Honolulu
HI
USA
},
series = {CHI EA '24}
}