MIT researchers have revolutionized the manufacturing of architected materials through a groundbreaking technique using an ancient Japanese art form. By combining kirigami, the practice of folding and cutting paper, with metal or other materials, they have created custom-shaped structures called plate lattices, which are stronger and stiffer than traditional beam lattices. This innovative technique overcomes the limitations of common manufacturing methods like 3D printing.
To fabricate these plate lattices, the researchers modified a traditional origami crease pattern. They flattened the sharp points of the corrugated structure, making it easier to attach top and bottom plates. This adaptation enables them to customize the mechanical properties of the structures, such as stiffness and strength, by utilizing kirigami and the modified crease pattern.
The team also developed a modular assembly process for mass production. They manufacture smaller crease patterns, which are then assembled into large-scale ultralight and ultrastrong structures. These structures display impressive strength-to-weight ratios, making them suitable for a range of applications in architecture, aerospace, and automotive components.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to create user-friendly CAD design tools for kirigami plate lattice structures. They aim to reduce computational costs for simulating desired properties, further enhancing the manufacturing process. Besides its various applications, this technique holds the potential to revolutionize architectural construction, allowing for higher-performing and more expressive buildings with reduced material usage.
This groundbreaking research was made possible through funding from the Center for Bits and Atoms Research Consortia, an AAUW International Fellowship, and a GWI Fay Weber Grant. The team’s work represents a remarkable advancement in the field of architected materials, highlighting the possibilities that lie at the intersection of ancient art and cutting-edge technology.
