Yujie Zhou

The advent of conductive thermoplastic flaments and multi-material 3D printing has made it feasible to create interactive 3D printed objects. Yet, challenges arise due to the volume constraints of desktop 3D printers and the high resistive characteristics of current conductive materials, making the fabrication of large-scale or highly conductive interactive objects can be daunting. We propose E-Joint, a novel fabrication pipeline for 3D printed objects utilizing mortise and tenon joint structures combined with a copper plating process. The segmented pieces and joint structures are customized in software along with integrated circuits. Then electroplate them for enhanced conductivity. We designed four distinct electrifed joint structures in the experiment and evaluated the practical feasibility and efectiveness of fabricating pipes. By constructing three applications with those structures, we verifed the usability of E-Joint in making large-scale interactive objects and showed the path to a more integrated future for manufacturing.

In Human-Computer Interaction, multi-material 3D printing is increasingly recognized for its capacity to produce conductive interactive objects. While various fabrication techniques have emerged in this domain, achieving the integration of highly conductive 3D structures within printed objects continues to pose a significant technical hurdle. Our study introduces Intercircuit, a novel integrated technique developed explicitly for fabricating highly conductive interactive objects. This method employs multi-material printing to form unified components along with their embedded structures of lower conductivity, enhancing conductivity through targeted plating. Distinct from traditional multi-material printing and surface conductivity augmentation methods, the Intercircuit method facilitates the creation of complex 3D circuitry while ensuring superior conductivity. Furthermore, this study introduces a supportive design tool aimed at aiding users in crafting conductive frameworks. Moreover, the practical application of this method is further elucidated through a series of case studies.

The advent of conductive thermoplastic flaments and multi-material 3D printing has made it feasible to create interactive 3D printed objects. Yet, challenges arise due to the volume constraints of desktop 3D printers and the high resistive characteristics of current conductive materials, making the fabrication of large-scale or highly conductive interactive objects can be daunting. We propose E-Joint, a novel fabrication pipeline for 3D printed objects utilizing mortise and tenon joint structures combined with a copper plating process. The segmented pieces and joint structures are customized in software along with integrated circuits. Then electroplate them for enhanced conductivity. We designed four distinct electrifed joint structures in the experiment and evaluated the practical feasibility and efectiveness of fabricating pipes. By constructing three applications with those structures, we verifed the usability of E-Joint in making large-scale interactive objects and showed the path to a more integrated future for manufacturing.

Touchable Pen is a writing instrument designed for the visually impaired. Raised Braille dots are printed when the nib touches any surface. It subverts traditional Braille writing, transforming subtractive manufacturing into additive manufacturing, and reverse writing into forward writing. The Touchable Pen uses low-cost technology to improve both the equity and efficiency of the writing experience for blind people.