Introduction: CNC Styrocutting Christoph Rafoth, Head of the Digital Workshop, introduced us to the use of the CNC Styrocut machine. The machine has two spatial axes and a rotary axis and uses a hot wire to cut geometric shapes out of solid foam blocks. The materials to be processed include Styrofoam (EPS), Styrodur as well …
Author Archives: Mareike Gast
Introduction: DIY particle foaming
Introduction: DIY particle foaming Particle foaming of EPS (expanded polystyrene) is a widely used process in the industry and is used to manufacture lightweight and robust products such as packaging, insulation and other applications.In the introduction to particle foaming in the pressure cooker, we first illustrated the production of molded parts and the industrial process …
Excursion: Kurtz Ersa
Excursion: Kurtz Ersa On Friday, we made a final stop on our three-day excursion at Kurtz Ersa in Kreuzwertheim near Würzburg, a mechanical engineering company that is now in its 7th generation of family management. The company, which was founded in 1779 as a hammer forge and later merged with the soldering machine manufacturer Ersa, …
Excursion: BASF
Excursion: BASF On the second day of the excursion, we were guests at BASF in Ludwigshafen. We were welcomed at the BASF Creation Center. This is where customers are normally advised and supported. We were given an insight into BASF’s various products, but the focus for us was on particle foams and the product “Infinergy” …
Excursion: Fraunhofer ICT
Excursion: Fraunhofer ICT The first day of the excursion took us, the students of the “Precious Particle” project, to the Fraunhofer ICT in Pfinztal. Before we went into the research rooms of the institute, Mr. Schmidt first gave a brief introduction to particle foams in general and their manufacturing processes. A basic distinction is made …
Getting Started: Sustainability
Getting Started: Sustainability To kick off our semester, we explored scientific methods and issues relating to sustainability in the SustainLab. As a theoretical object, we dealt with a bicycle helmet made of EPS. From the cradle to the grave. We explored the following aspects and methods in greater depth: Life cycle inventoryQuantification and compilation of …
Preparation homework
Preparation homework Research before the start of the course The students’ task before the start of the semester was to research a specific, self-chosen location, a situation such as a fish market, a pharmacy or a snack bar, where particle foams are used.The students observed the location and documented the impressions that the particle foam …
IDEATION WORKSHOP
IDEATION WORKSHOP 28.10.2021 In order to begin our project, we took part in a two day workshop during which we made a few exercises to open our mind to the possibilities of the mycelium. It was never questioned to think about the limits or feasibility but only about seeing opportunities, imagining processes. The goal was …
EXCURSION #3 TO BERLIN
EXCURSION #3 TO BERLIN 26.10.2021-27.10.2021 Our second visit to Berlin was filled with more input we gained through Museums and their exhibitions, from designers and their work life, universities and their design studies and other associations that are specified on mycelium. Felix Kraemer Our first stop was in Felix Kraemers Studio. Felix is a Berlin …
NETWORK ANALYSIS
NETWORK ANALYSIS 19.10.2021 – Workshop with Rebecca Ritter-Grieshammer & Katherina Mludek At the beginning of our workshop, given by Rebecca Grieshammer and Katherina Mludek, we had the chance to analyse our own networks, sort them into categories and write them down for comparison. Main aspect in this task was to understand and visualize the participants …