Drip generative parametric chain

grabcad

Created by Alex Ross-Martin, Product Design Technology Bsc from University of the West of England. This generatively designed chain is printed from recovered ocean plastics, featuring simulated rain fall immortalised as intricate geometry. Its goal is to elevate the value of recovered/recycled plastic waste and serve as a reminder for users to be mindful of their waste and its potential for renewal. The bracelet honors the narrative of transformation and recovery by juxtaposing industrial manufacture with ethereal beauty, reminding users of the journey discarded plastic often takes – "drifting" away into the ocean. It leverages modern design and manufacturing techniques to deliver simulated beauty that would be challenging to replicate otherwise. The inbuilt variability of chain links allows for adjustments to suit individual needs and tastes, imbuing each person's chain with a sense of identity and connection to its water-born origin through a simulated rain path. Currently, the design is suitable for FDM printing, requiring minimal detail removal from the top surface for a flat base. However, when using alternative print mediums, this may not be necessary. Some links may fuse due to water paths; properly sizing the bracelet resolves this issue. Key benefits of these methods include utilizing recycled source material and manufacturing seamless chains without a closing link. The prototype has been printed with PLA, but a final product would utilize ocean-recovered PET filament.