Oberdoerfer & Krebs: Redefining Digital Fabrication with Craftsmanship
In the realm of digital fabrication, where precision and automation reign supreme, Oberdoerfer & Krebs emerge as a duo with a unique vision. Their work challenges the notion that 3D printing is solely about creating rigid, machine-made objects. Instead, they explore the potential of post-print manipulation, bending, and even human intervention to infuse craftsmanship into the digital realm.
The Art of Post-Print Bending
One of their standout projects, the Bend Chair and Bend Stool, showcases their innovative approach. These pieces start with the familiar large-scale extrusion technique but take a bold step further. After printing, the chair and stool undergo a transformation. The pre-programmed bend zones within the toolpath are reheated, allowing for selective softening and subsequent manual bending. This process imbues the furniture with a unique tension, where the printer sets the structure, yet the human touch completes the form.
Material Magic
Oberdoerfer & Krebs' mastery of material behavior is another fascinating aspect of their work. They utilize expandable colorFabb LW-PLA, a filament that can be manipulated to create foam-like structures in the middle layers of the print. This technique reduces material usage while simultaneously altering the object's characteristics without the need for material switching. The filament's behavior is controlled by temperature and printing strategy, enabling the duo to design through material states rather than material change.
Challenging the Machine-Handcrafted Divide
In their project, Human Layers, Oberdoerfer & Krebs delve into vessel-making, further blurring the lines between machine-made and handcrafted. Inspired by the ikat dyeing technique, they translate pattern creation into pellet-extrusion printing. By carefully calculating color placement and using liquid masterbatch, they create a vase with an ornate appearance. The process involves human intervention at specific moments, resulting in a unique interplay between precision and craftsmanship.
Human Layers: A Symphony of Machine and Hand
Human Layers challenges the traditional dichotomy between machine-made and handcrafted. The patterns demand precision and repetition, yet they also rely on the human touch for material addition at crucial moments. This delicate balance creates a rhythm where color shifts mimic the printer's pace and the maker's judgment, resulting in a harmonious blend of technology and craftsmanship.
Conclusion: Craft's Digital Renaissance
Oberdoerfer & Krebs' work exemplifies a broader trend in digital fabrication: the integration of craftsmanship within the machine. By embracing post-print bending, off-path extrusion, foamed materials, and timed color changes, they expand the possibilities of what 3D printing can achieve. Their projects not only challenge the boundaries of digital fabrication but also inspire a re-evaluation of the relationship between technology and craftsmanship, paving the way for a digital renaissance in the world of craft.
