Working Group 21: Advanced Manufacturing and Materials

Mission

To advance the construction of lightweight structures through cutting-edge design methods, techniques, and smart materials.

Background

The tension between idea and technique has taken an interesting turn. The possibilities offered by new modelling software and smart materials have led to very complex architecture in all its wealth and beauty. The building designs developed tremendously from mass production to very sophisticated, just-in-time-shape-and-place production. Construction of advanced building structures has become industrial design. In spite of what has been achieved, the gap between idea and technique has become larger. Working Group 21 aims to narrow this gap by providing a platform to exchange research and application of advanced manufacturing and materials.

The working group focuses on several topics of the manufacturing process. Researchers are invited to exchange knowledge, to organise sessions and to participate in workshops and exhibitions. Beside creating a knowledge platform within the IASS, the group wants to introduce interdisciplinary cutting-edge techniques and developments into the built environment. In general, the working group aims to bridge the gap between mechanical engineering and the built environment.

Objectives

The Working Group proposes to advance the following research topics in advanced manufacturing as related to spatial structures:

1. Additive manufacturing (spraying, extrusion, curing, melting, lamination, etc.)
2. Casting & moulding (flexible formwork, fabric formwork, adjustable formwork, inflatable formwork, vacuum moulding, blow moulding, etc.)
3. Connections (bolting, welding, lamination, clamping, stitching, rivets, flexible joints, kinetic joints, zip fasteners, hook and loop fasteners, interlocking connections, etc.)
4. Subtractive Manufacturing (milling, electro-chemical erosion, laser cutting, water jet cutting, etc.)
5. Robotics (mechatronics, manufacturing automation, drones, etc.)
6. Smart materials (micro and nano-fabrication, (bio)composites, metals (alloys), ceramics, natural/synthetic polymers, shape memory alloys etc.)
7. Textile technology (spinning, (3D) weaving, (3D) knitting, non-woven, etc.)
8. Surface treatment (polishing, coating, electrotyping, abrasive blasting, etc.)

In addition, the working group aims to organise exhibitions of innovative pavilions to stimulate research and to show the results of this research. For the realisation of those pavilions, the aim is for a synergy of academics, artist and companies.

Recent History