- New Portrait
- Playful Communication
- Soft Robotic
- Modern Artifact
- Expressive Environment
- AR
- 2024 FW Archive
zx1900@nyu.edu
xuanzhongao.com
Exploring Concepts From Soft Robotics
Material Index
https://www.materialconnexion.com/1298401
Soft and squishy. weave pattern. can use for large scale furniture.
Versatile outdoor and indoor ergonomic flooring solution made from 100% silicone. The company has crafted the silicone to achieve a leather-like surface quality, optimal density, and comfort level, as well as a vast array of colors. Soft, supportive, and textured, these rugs provide anti-fatigue functionality and are ideal as anti-fatigue and standing desk mats. Their visual appeal allows them to be placed in any space and their durability allows them to be enjoyed with or without shoes. The high-performance silicone cord makes the rugs UV resistant, heatproof, waterproof, easy to clean, hypoallergenic, and extremely durable. The deep weave structure offers cushioned support as well as a textured, dynamic surface. The raw silicone is carefully mixed, blended with color pigments, and extruded by hand. It is then woven into the final product. The company hand mixes each of the colors in-house. The current color library has over 100 unique hues. The company offers a standard range of sizes up to 18 in by 27 in (46 cm by 69 cm) and can be customized in size. There are two weave types: Fine Weave, which is 0.5 in (1.27 cm) thick and Bold Weave, which is 1 in (2.54 cm) thick. The product can be completely customized by color, pattern, dimensions, size, and shape. Applications include anti-fatigue mats, outdoor rugs, bathmats, kitchen rugs/runners, entryway mat, area rugs, outdoor furniture, headboard covers, and fitness mats. https://www.materialconnexion.com/512814
very smooth and light, can make inner skeleton structure or outer shell.
New material and technology that enables the manufacturing of lightweight, continuous polyurethane-based pieces with never-seen-before design flexibility and circularity. It is comprised of high-quality minerals and polymers (Aliphatic PUR). It can also be made with partially bio-based raw materials and mechanically recycled into new products. It is lightweight (50% lighter vs. the same piece made from a standard solid surface as Corian), thus lowering the CO2 footprint. The technology enables truly seamless products by going from liquid to final shape in 1 step, which means no manufacturing scrap is generated. The processing time is shorter (pieces manufactured with Arfinio® are demolded in less than 1 hr). The products can be repaired and exhibit superior hygienic performance (easy cleanability with antislip surface and can come with anti-bacterial additives). The material offers unique haptics and aesthetics (backlighting potential), along with high impact (at lower thickness), abrasion and chemical resistance, and thermal insulation (>10x lower thermal conductivity vs. standard solid surfaces). The parts are produced via RIM (reaction injection molding) followed by a light polishing after demolding to tailor gloss in a specially designed mold to create the shape in a single step (like an entire chair or stool); thus, post-processing is unnecessary. Charging electronics or lighting can be assembled before or after the polishing step. It has no joints or structural weak points, opening new avenues in customization with tailor-made coloration and gloss levels. Different gloss options are semi-gloss, matt, and deep matt (glossy is also possible). Colors, avg. material density and performance attributes such as (fire rating and anti-bacterial performance) can be tailored upon request. The technology is available as molded pieces with built-in fittings for ready-to-install products. At a later stage, it will be possible to license the technology and buy the liquid formulation. Applications include bathroom elements, furniture, casing, panels/cladding, and window frames. https://www.materialconnexion.com/1150401
I like earthy and smooth material, is can be matte and polished. many sculptural potential.
A patent-pending graphene-reinforced concrete technology that utilizes the nanostructured carbon to create a new type of concrete with improved properties. This technology improves compressive (146%) and flexural (79.5%) strength, durability, fire resistance, water impermeability (nearly 400%), and thermal conductivity compared to standard concrete. Products made with this technology can be thinner and lighter with a lower carbon footprint (by 446 kg/ton emissions of CO2) because about 40% less cement can be used to achieve the same performance. The technology is licensed to concrete manufacturers. The graphene additive is supplied to the concrete manufacturer and is added to the concrete mixing process as any other standard admixture would be added. The additive is dosed at specified ratios based on the weight of the cement and desired properties. It is compatible with a wide range of cement mixes including CEM I-IV, GGBS, fly ash, basalt fibers, plasticizes and more. It is currently available in four different color: class concrete (dark gray), marble terracotta (terracotta), marbled greige (light gray), and marbled overcast (beige). The technology can be customized for the end concrete products. This technology can be used in any concrete application including construction, fire pits, cladding, facades, walls, and sound proofing. https://www.materialconnexion.com/1049502
same as the last one, but the color is more natural.
A family of composite blends made using natural organic waste, coming from industrial processing, mixed with a patent-pending special seaming additive. The blend compositions are fully customizable and can be made of different types of organic sources and various base polymeric materials, ranging from traditional virgin plastics to recycled to biodegradable polymers. This process is developed in response to the increasing amount of plastic waste created across the planet, by giving a new life to organic industrial waste. It reduces the usage of plastic with a maximum ratio of 80% of organic waste to 20% of seaming additive (in volume), resulting in a significantly reduced environmental impact compared to the virgin materials. Depending upon the composition, it can be 100% recyclable or biodegradable. It is also possible to vary the grain size of the organic component, change the composition of the binder component, and the composition percentages of the compound, to obtain different aesthetic, technical, and mechanical results. The material is typically provided as pellets in 25 kg (55.11 lb) bags and can be processed by injection molding and extrusion using standard equipment. The company is currently developing new blend formulations that are compatible with other processes such as blow molding, rotational molding, and 3D printing, and can also help with custom molded parts. Some of the available blends are food grade approved. Applications are for furniture, automotive, and packaging for cosmetics, food, and beverages. https://www.materialconnexion.com/778707
actual material for soft robot!
A printed inflatable material technology developed in collaboration with BMW using Rapid Liquid Printing, a breakthrough in 3D printing technology. Rapid Liquid Printing physically draws in 3D space within a gel suspension and enables the creation of large scale, customized products made of real-world materials. Compared with other 3D techniques, it combines industrial materials with extremely fast print speeds (in a matter of minutes) in a precisely controlled process to yield large-scale products, which is never seen before. BMW’s forward-thinking concepts of future interiors that can interact and adapt seamlessly were the starting point of an in-depth exploration by MIT’s Self-Assembly Laboratory. The silicone rubber objects are the first example of a fully printed inflatable material that can self-transform, adapt and morph from one state to another. It can change size and shape depending on the amount of air pressure in the system. For example, a linear actuator with a 2 in (5.1 cm) diameter can expand from 2 inches long (5.1 cm) to 5 in long (12.7 cm) when inflated. The pneumatic controls in the system allow the printed structure to transform into a variety of shapes, functions, or stiffness characteristics for different applications. The printed material can be customized to any size or shape. Applications are for automotive, industrial, medical, and textile sectors. This research lab can work with companies interested in co-developing similar or new material and fabrication technologies. https://www.materialconnexion.com/1003101
can be a inner material for silicone casting.
A cushioning mat made from a unique spinning technology as a replacement for traditional foam. The polyester (PET) cushion features a pyramid-shaped filament structure that provides superior pressure-reduction along with breathability. Unlike other technologies on the market, the company does not use the random spinning method where polymer filaments are extruded into a water bath to form a mat with a random structure. Instead, a 3D-shaped spinning technology was developed to guide the filaments into precision-engineered structures. This enables different properties to be tailored within the mat. Thanks to its unique pyramid-shaped filament design, the cushion has more voids than its alternatives, allowing air to flow freely at even the highest compression loads. The cushion can be easily washed in water to remove bacteria and soiling, which is a major hygienic advantage over foam. In contrast to foam, the cushion can be fully recycled at the end of its lifespan to produce a new cushion with the same performance. Standard profiles are available from 0.59 in (15 mm) to 0.98 in (25 mm) in height and are available as rolled goods with an approximate width of 60 in (152 cm). The cushion is typically supplied in white, as it is considered an internal component and often covered by fabric or leather. Customization is possible in terms of different shapes, sizes, and firmness levels. Applications include automotive, furniture, wheelchairs, airplane seats, and mattresses. https://www.materialconnexion.com/724606
very interesing shape and texture glass.
A unique and innovative glass forming process technology that allows the creation of unprecedented shapes on the interior of a bottle with a standard neck for use in packaging. It is made of 100% glass (all kinds: recycled, Xtra Flint glass, colored class). The glass is blown using a special forming process to create different shapes, such as swirls, spots, parabolic distribution or any tailor-made shapes, that depend on the exterior shape of the bottle. It is magnified by a complex pad-printing with a color gradient effect that emphasizes the faceted angles and the unique design of the bottle. The inside shapes can also be highlighted with an internal decoration technology (COLOR’in / METAL’in) or a colored juice. It is possible to customize the inside of a bottle with an artistic glass design to create unique shapes. The company produces custom packaging to meet end use requirements. Applications are for high-end packaging of perfumes, make-up, and skincare products.
A cushion. https://www.materialconnexion.com/994001
like a piece of memory foam.
Unique mixture of naturally occurring, highest quality crystals that are clinically proven to offer increased relaxation and stress relief during sleep. This powdered mix consists of crushed and precisely selected 100% pure, highly efficient crystals in specific quantities and ratios without any toxic additives. It is the only scientifically validated component that provides personal wellness benefits when implemented into bedding foams, mattresses, and furniture, by calming the user heartbeat, slowing down rapid breathing, decreasing the impact of EMF (electromagnetic field), and relaxing muscle tension, thus restoring your body at night. The material is typically supplied as a solid powder packed in waterproof durable packaging in the amount of 25 kg (55.11 lb). It is available in two particle sizes: 3 μm and 400 μm and can be easily adapted for use in different production processes, machines or for achieving various visual effects in products. Color of the powder can vary, but it doesn’t affect its quality and efficiency. The results of the measurements performed by the manufacturer, undoubtedly show its ability to further and faster relax, reduce muscle tension, increase oxygen absorption, maintain body temp and therefore reducing physical and mental fatigue. The technology can be embedded into fibers or yarns or can be applied through printing, coating, and lamination techniques onto a wide range of fabrics and foam substrates. It can be used in various kinds of products such as mattresses, toppers, sofas, chairs, accessories, textiles, clothing and footwear, sport and exercise equipment, as well as products for horses, pets, and plant care.
Soft and squishy. weave pattern. can use for large scale furniture.
Versatile outdoor and indoor ergonomic flooring solution made from 100% silicone. The company has crafted the silicone to achieve a leather-like surface quality, optimal density, and comfort level, as well as a vast array of colors. Soft, supportive, and textured, these rugs provide anti-fatigue functionality and are ideal as anti-fatigue and standing desk mats. Their visual appeal allows them to be placed in any space and their durability allows them to be enjoyed with or without shoes. The high-performance silicone cord makes the rugs UV resistant, heatproof, waterproof, easy to clean, hypoallergenic, and extremely durable. The deep weave structure offers cushioned support as well as a textured, dynamic surface. The raw silicone is carefully mixed, blended with color pigments, and extruded by hand. It is then woven into the final product. The company hand mixes each of the colors in-house. The current color library has over 100 unique hues. The company offers a standard range of sizes up to 18 in by 27 in (46 cm by 69 cm) and can be customized in size. There are two weave types: Fine Weave, which is 0.5 in (1.27 cm) thick and Bold Weave, which is 1 in (2.54 cm) thick. The product can be completely customized by color, pattern, dimensions, size, and shape. Applications include anti-fatigue mats, outdoor rugs, bathmats, kitchen rugs/runners, entryway mat, area rugs, outdoor furniture, headboard covers, and fitness mats.
very smooth and light, can make inner skeleton structure or outer shell.
New material and technology that enables the manufacturing of lightweight, continuous polyurethane-based pieces with never-seen-before design flexibility and circularity. It is comprised of high-quality minerals and polymers (Aliphatic PUR). It can also be made with partially bio-based raw materials and mechanically recycled into new products. It is lightweight (50% lighter vs. the same piece made from a standard solid surface as Corian), thus lowering the CO2 footprint. The technology enables truly seamless products by going from liquid to final shape in 1 step, which means no manufacturing scrap is generated. The processing time is shorter (pieces manufactured with Arfinio® are demolded in less than 1 hr). The products can be repaired and exhibit superior hygienic performance (easy cleanability with antislip surface and can come with anti-bacterial additives). The material offers unique haptics and aesthetics (backlighting potential), along with high impact (at lower thickness), abrasion and chemical resistance, and thermal insulation (>10x lower thermal conductivity vs. standard solid surfaces). The parts are produced via RIM (reaction injection molding) followed by a light polishing after demolding to tailor gloss in a specially designed mold to create the shape in a single step (like an entire chair or stool); thus, post-processing is unnecessary. Charging electronics or lighting can be assembled before or after the polishing step. It has no joints or structural weak points, opening new avenues in customization with tailor-made coloration and gloss levels. Different gloss options are semi-gloss, matt, and deep matt (glossy is also possible). Colors, avg. material density and performance attributes such as (fire rating and anti-bacterial performance) can be tailored upon request. The technology is available as molded pieces with built-in fittings for ready-to-install products. At a later stage, it will be possible to license the technology and buy the liquid formulation. Applications include bathroom elements, furniture, casing, panels/cladding, and window frames.
I like earthy and smooth material, is can be matte and polished. many sculptural potential.
A patent-pending graphene-reinforced concrete technology that utilizes the nanostructured carbon to create a new type of concrete with improved properties. This technology improves compressive (146%) and flexural (79.5%) strength, durability, fire resistance, water impermeability (nearly 400%), and thermal conductivity compared to standard concrete. Products made with this technology can be thinner and lighter with a lower carbon footprint (by 446 kg/ton emissions of CO2) because about 40% less cement can be used to achieve the same performance. The technology is licensed to concrete manufacturers. The graphene additive is supplied to the concrete manufacturer and is added to the concrete mixing process as any other standard admixture would be added. The additive is dosed at specified ratios based on the weight of the cement and desired properties. It is compatible with a wide range of cement mixes including CEM I-IV, GGBS, fly ash, basalt fibers, plasticizes and more. It is currently available in four different color: class concrete (dark gray), marble terracotta (terracotta), marbled greige (light gray), and marbled overcast (beige). The technology can be customized for the end concrete products. This technology can be used in any concrete application including construction, fire pits, cladding, facades, walls, and sound proofing.
same as the last one, but the color is more natural.
A family of composite blends made using natural organic waste, coming from industrial processing, mixed with a patent-pending special seaming additive. The blend compositions are fully customizable and can be made of different types of organic sources and various base polymeric materials, ranging from traditional virgin plastics to recycled to biodegradable polymers. This process is developed in response to the increasing amount of plastic waste created across the planet, by giving a new life to organic industrial waste. It reduces the usage of plastic with a maximum ratio of 80% of organic waste to 20% of seaming additive (in volume), resulting in a significantly reduced environmental impact compared to the virgin materials. Depending upon the composition, it can be 100% recyclable or biodegradable. It is also possible to vary the grain size of the organic component, change the composition of the binder component, and the composition percentages of the compound, to obtain different aesthetic, technical, and mechanical results. The material is typically provided as pellets in 25 kg (55.11 lb) bags and can be processed by injection molding and extrusion using standard equipment. The company is currently developing new blend formulations that are compatible with other processes such as blow molding, rotational molding, and 3D printing, and can also help with custom molded parts. Some of the available blends are food grade approved. Applications are for furniture, automotive, and packaging for cosmetics, food, and beverages.
actual material for soft robot!
A printed inflatable material technology developed in collaboration with BMW using Rapid Liquid Printing, a breakthrough in 3D printing technology. Rapid Liquid Printing physically draws in 3D space within a gel suspension and enables the creation of large scale, customized products made of real-world materials. Compared with other 3D techniques, it combines industrial materials with extremely fast print speeds (in a matter of minutes) in a precisely controlled process to yield large-scale products, which is never seen before. BMW’s forward-thinking concepts of future interiors that can interact and adapt seamlessly were the starting point of an in-depth exploration by MIT’s Self-Assembly Laboratory. The silicone rubber objects are the first example of a fully printed inflatable material that can self-transform, adapt and morph from one state to another. It can change size and shape depending on the amount of air pressure in the system. For example, a linear actuator with a 2 in (5.1 cm) diameter can expand from 2 inches long (5.1 cm) to 5 in long (12.7 cm) when inflated. The pneumatic controls in the system allow the printed structure to transform into a variety of shapes, functions, or stiffness characteristics for different applications. The printed material can be customized to any size or shape. Applications are for automotive, industrial, medical, and textile sectors. This research lab can work with companies interested in co-developing similar or new material and fabrication technologies.
can be a inner material for silicone casting.
A cushioning mat made from a unique spinning technology as a replacement for traditional foam. The polyester (PET) cushion features a pyramid-shaped filament structure that provides superior pressure-reduction along with breathability. Unlike other technologies on the market, the company does not use the random spinning method where polymer filaments are extruded into a water bath to form a mat with a random structure. Instead, a 3D-shaped spinning technology was developed to guide the filaments into precision-engineered structures. This enables different properties to be tailored within the mat. Thanks to its unique pyramid-shaped filament design, the cushion has more voids than its alternatives, allowing air to flow freely at even the highest compression loads. The cushion can be easily washed in water to remove bacteria and soiling, which is a major hygienic advantage over foam. In contrast to foam, the cushion can be fully recycled at the end of its lifespan to produce a new cushion with the same performance. Standard profiles are available from 0.59 in (15 mm) to 0.98 in (25 mm) in height and are available as rolled goods with an approximate width of 60 in (152 cm). The cushion is typically supplied in white, as it is considered an internal component and often covered by fabric or leather. Customization is possible in terms of different shapes, sizes, and firmness levels. Applications include automotive, furniture, wheelchairs, airplane seats, and mattresses.
very interesing shape and texture glass.
A unique and innovative glass forming process technology that allows the creation of unprecedented shapes on the interior of a bottle with a standard neck for use in packaging. It is made of 100% glass (all kinds: recycled, Xtra Flint glass, colored class). The glass is blown using a special forming process to create different shapes, such as swirls, spots, parabolic distribution or any tailor-made shapes, that depend on the exterior shape of the bottle. It is magnified by a complex pad-printing with a color gradient effect that emphasizes the faceted angles and the unique design of the bottle. The inside shapes can also be highlighted with an internal decoration technology (COLOR’in / METAL’in) or a colored juice. It is possible to customize the inside of a bottle with an artistic glass design to create unique shapes. The company produces custom packaging to meet end use requirements. Applications are for high-end packaging of perfumes, make-up, and skincare products.
like a piece of memory foam.
Unique mixture of naturally occurring, highest quality crystals that are clinically proven to offer increased relaxation and stress relief during sleep. This powdered mix consists of crushed and precisely selected 100% pure, highly efficient crystals in specific quantities and ratios without any toxic additives. It is the only scientifically validated component that provides personal wellness benefits when implemented into bedding foams, mattresses, and furniture, by calming the user heartbeat, slowing down rapid breathing, decreasing the impact of EMF (electromagnetic field), and relaxing muscle tension, thus restoring your body at night. The material is typically supplied as a solid powder packed in waterproof durable packaging in the amount of 25 kg (55.11 lb). It is available in two particle sizes: 3 μm and 400 μm and can be easily adapted for use in different production processes, machines or for achieving various visual effects in products. Color of the powder can vary, but it doesn’t affect its quality and efficiency. The results of the measurements performed by the manufacturer, undoubtedly show its ability to further and faster relax, reduce muscle tension, increase oxygen absorption, maintain body temp and therefore reducing physical and mental fatigue. The technology can be embedded into fibers or yarns or can be applied through printing, coating, and lamination techniques onto a wide range of fabrics and foam substrates. It can be used in various kinds of products such as mattresses, toppers, sofas, chairs, accessories, textiles, clothing and footwear, sport and exercise equipment, as well as products for horses, pets, and plant care.