SERVICES

Overview

The notion that [almost] limitless possibilities exist in the synthesis of the material world is crucial to our understanding of digital fabrication. The differences between constructing products, cities, and solar systems in the computer reside primarily in detail and scale. One is not necessarily easier to translate into, or from the physical world over the other. For Radlab, our challenge is to help clarify design objectives at all scales and levels of detail. Our intention is to facilitate the realization of those objectives in a timely, thorough manner, with particular sensitivity to computational solutions. Radlab is a healthy mix of tradition and innovation. For one project we may find ourselves using standard woodworking tools and simple artistic methods. For another project we may be working primarily in the computer - modeling, rendering, scripting, and animating. For most projects we work with an emerging class of machines which operate based on polar and Cartesian coordinate systems. These include laser cutting, 3d printing, and computer numerically controlled routing. Our aim is to discover new connections between the digital and physical realms, and to do so at the service of technologically unbiased ideas.

Output:Physical

3D Printing

The automated process of building a physical model by laying successive, thin layers of material, one on top of another. Watch this video. Similar to stacking one sheet of paper onto another in order to make a book, digital geometry is sliced into thin cross sections and transferred to the 3d printer to be constructed. The 3d printer belongs to a family of computer numerically controlled machines.

3D Modeling

Through the process of making physical models, our hope is to better understand the translation of digital design information into physical materiality. Given the compositional variability of materials and the innate discrepancy in accuracy of mechanical tools, this process necessitates a continual dialog between the digital and the physical. Models are typically a hybrid of materials that have been machined and hand cut.

CNC Routing

As opposed to 3d printing, wherein material is built up to create a positive, computer numerically controlled routing begins with material stock from which material is systematically removed to create the desired form. The CNC router belongs to a family of computer numerically controlled machines.

Laser Cutting

Similar to CNC routing, laser cutting begins with a sheet of material stock and is cut by focusing an automated, carbon dioxide-based laser. The laser is controlled by setting its power, speed, and frequency (the pulsing interval). Increasing the power of the laser relative to a particular material causes the laser to penetrate through the sheet. As a result, the path assigned to the laser is cut into the material. The laser cutter belongs to a family of computer numerically controlled machines.

Laser Engraving

Similar to CNC routing, laser engraving begins with a sheet of material stock and is engraved by focusing an automated, carbon dioxide based laser. The laser is controlled by setting its power, speed, and frequency (the pulsing interval). By minimizing the power of the laser relative to a particular material, the laser will not penetrate it. As a result, the path assigned to the laser is engraved onto the surface of the material. The laser engraver belongs to a family of computer numerically controlled machines.

Laser Lathing

Laser lathing begins with a sheet of material stock and is cut and/or engraved by focusing an automated, carbon dioxide based laser. The laser is controlled by setting its power, speed, and frequency (the pulsing interval). The material is controlled by rotating it about a central axis. The laser lathe belongs to a family of computer numerically controlled machines.

Output: Digital

3d Modeling

Models made in the computer may be used for producing construction documents, machining, rendering, animating, etc. Using a wide variety of software packages, our aim in 3d modeling is to build geometry in a manner that maximizes its potential for a range of uses.

3d Scanning

By scanning physical objects, material form is transferred into a conglomeration of spatial points. Those points (or point clouds) are then used to build a 3d mesh which represents the scanned object in digital form.

Rendering

A computer-generated method of visualizing digital models in a variety of styles, lighting compositions, and material configurations

Scripting

A geometric script provides an algorithm that automates the production and/or manipulation of spatial data. "Programming is used to create applications, while scripting is used to control them." - Rick Ralston, Adobe Press.

Animating

When the settings and environment for a rendering are established, animation allows visualization of morphing geometry (changing shape and scale, not location), moving geometry (changing location, not shape or scale), and combinations of the two.

PROJECTS

ClpX Protein

ClpX Protein Client: Sauer Laboratory, MIT While the standard set of biochemistry tools provided general digital renderings of structures, 3d printing provided the necessary means for the difficult digital-to-physical translation of the protein engine ClpX. The model of the ClpX structure served as both an artistic representation of the molecular structure and a teaching aid for the enzyme machine.

RSD Rehabilitation Apparatus

RSD Rehabilitation Apparatus, Client: Myco In collaboration with the health device company Myco, Radlab is researching, designing, and developing a new Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Rehabilitation Apparatus to be patented that exercises the hands through bilateral repetitive motion. Through precedent studies of existing stroke rehabilitation, RSD rehabilitation, and motion tracking devices for the hand, conceptual ideas based on categorized mechanical systems have led to the current stage of prototyping a fully automated device.

MIT 77 Massachusetts Ave Model

MIT 77 Massachusetts Ave Model Client: Boston University Presented as a gift to their new President (who was previously provost of MIT), the 3d printed model for Boston University is a scaled replica of the neoclassical MIT lobby at 77 Massachusetts Ave. The model duplicates the smallest details of the domed entryway, including the dorian columns and podiums, and interior balconies.

Reverse Engineered Phone

Reverse Engineered Phone Client: JMR Systems The need to 3d scan a pre-existing phone and digitally rebuild it was driven by the desire to reuse the housing but modify some of the embedded electronic components. Using digital calipers and a composite 3d mesh the phone housing was remodeled (both for rapid prototyping and dimension corroboration), remeshed, and rendered.

Violin Case

Violin Case Client: Italia Strings A high-end, high tech violin case, Radlab developed the body, customized clasps, and embedded hinges to retain the sleek form and clean lines of the case. In addition to designing and 3d modeling the case and all of its components, Radlab provided 3d prints of molds to be used for prototyping the clasps and hinges, and prepared the case for prototyping.

Bench

Bench Client: MIT Department of Mathematics Given the task to design a new bench for John Bush, Associate Professor of Applied Mathematics at MIT, his preoccupation with fluid dynamics served as a fascinating point of departure. The bench was not conceived as an emblem of liquid form made solid. It is a literal depiction of environmental, material, and structural parameters coming together to regulate surface geometry in discrete units. The radius of the front edge expands as the depth of the bench increases. As the depth diminishes, so does the bench surface thickness. The bench footprint is maximized toward the center of the room, and is minimized as it approaches the threshold. Each unit responds locally to conditions applied globally, coming together in fluid form. (made by Matt Trimble while a graduate student at MIT)

Assumption College Site Model

Assumption College Site Model Client: Sasaki Associates For the production of the 46"x51" master plan site model of Assumption College, individual sheets of chipboard were laser cut and layered to create the undulating topography, while building massings were 3d printed to provide context and scale to the campus.

Nexi MDS Robot Silicon Hand Pads

Nexi MDS Robot Silicon Hand Pads Client: Xitome To provide better grip to the hands of Nexi, the mobile dexterous social robot, adhesive silicon pads were laser cut to be attached to her palms and individual digits. Watch this video or visit xitome.com to learn more about Nexi.

University of Baltimore Competition Model

University of Baltimore Competition Model Client: Behnisch Studio East A component of the winning design entry for the University of Baltimore School of Law building competition, the 1/32" scale architectural model provides urban context around the proposed 190,000 square foot building

Lakeland Commons

Lakeland Commons Client: Renaissance Group An office and retail park in the early stages of development, the project's architects and developers requested a range of representational services that included 3d modeling and fly-through animations of the 57-acre proposed site.

REQUEST A QUOTE

Submit a request

TO RECEIVE A QUOTE, PLEASE FILL OUT THE FOLLOWING FORM: We will respond to requests within 1-3 hours. Digital models should be scaled to the desired size you wish your models to be 3d printed. Quotes for 3d prints are based on the volume of print material required, complexity of the model, and surface area of the model. For models that require extra preparation for printing and assembly, additional services are available at an hourly rate.

FAQs

How does 3d printing work? 3D printing is a category of rapid prototyping technology. A three dimensional object is created by layering and connecting successive cross sections of material: layers of a fine plaster powder are selectively bonded by "printing" an adhesive from the inkjet printhead in the shape of each cross-section as determined by a CAD file. How do I tell if my model is print-ready? Your model is print ready if it is 'watertight', meaning it is a completely enclosed object. We will test this when we receive your model and if there is an inconsistency, ask you to repair the model or repair it ourselves in-house if you prefer. What if there are undercuts or internal voids in my model? A good guideline for very fine elements is to assume that .04 inches (1 mm) is the absolute minimum for printing, depending our your geometry. Remember that these elements tend to require a lot of support material which needs to be washed off in the end. It is always better to add extra thickness to ensure the robustness of your model. What is the maximum part size you can make? (we should say how big we can print as a single object, not components) By subdividing your model into several components, we can fabricate models of approximately 19" x 19" x 7.9." Even larger or unwieldy parts can also be manufactured in components and assembled by our team. Do you offer finishing and painting services? Yes, beside the removal of support material and gluing of subdivided parts, we also provide painting services. What is support material? 3-D printing technology relies on 2 materials- the part material and the support material required to hold it up during printing. A mushroom form, for example, will require support material to be built up around the stalk in order to hold up the cap as it is being printed. This support material is removed after printing. How much does rapid prototyping cost? Additive-layer rapid prototyping systems factor a combination of machine hours, material consumption and post-processing labor to quote production of a 3D object. CNC machining quotes are primarily based on programming time, part complexity, build time, materials and post-processing labor. How do I send electronic data files to you? Please refer to our site page (http://www.radlabinc.com) for submitting files for quoting. How do I output STL files from my CAD software? (do you want to give a detailed method?) In today's design environment, there are many CAD software programs and each one has its own specific way to output STL files. It is essential that you select a fairly high-resolution setting when outputting STL files so the rapid prototyping machine will build models that properly produce the geometries you desire. If you are unable to output an STL file from your software, we can assist you in preparing the file for 3d printing.

ABOUT US

Radlab, Inc is a multidisciplinary design and fabrication firm, providing services in rapid prototyping, architectural design, and design computing. Radlab provides expedient digital-to-physical prototypes in order to assist clients in maximizing design efficiency and minimizing the steps to mass production. For projects that are software intensive, Radlab also offers advanced data processing, geometric scripting, rendering, and animation. While our work stems from ideas as opposed to particular technological priorities, we believe that the machines we use serve as valuable and versatile cognitive extensions. Our primary aim is to work with clients to help transport their ideas into progressively more realized forms.

Radlab, Inc.
25 Drydock Ave, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02210

W: www.radlabinc.com, T: 617.440.3588

Employment

If you would like to be considered for a position at RADlab, please send a cover letter, resume, and work samples [as a single PDF, maximum size of 5mb] to info@radlabinc.com.

Directions

FROM 93 Southbound

Heading towards Boston, take Exit 20A / South Station At the top of the exit ramp, turn left onto Summer Street. Travel on Summer Street for approximately two miles (past South Station and the Boston Convention Center). Turn left onto Drydock Avenue (Boston Marine Industrial Park). 25 Drydock Ave will be on your left (past the Boston Design Center).

FROM 93 Northbound

Heading towards Boston, take Exit 20 (which will be immediately after Exit 18). Follow the signs to I-90 East. Take the first tunnel exit to "South Boston" Turn right onto Congress Street. Turn right onto D Street. Turn left onto Summer Street. Turn left onto Drydock Avenue (Boston Marine Industrial Park). 25 Drydock Ave will be on your left (past the Boston Design Center).

FROM I-90 (Mass Pike)

Follow the Massachusetts Turnpike/I-90 EAST Exit 25 "South Boston." Keep left at the fork in the ramp towards "Seaport Boulevard." At the first set of lights, take a right onto Congress Street. Turn right onto D Street. Turn left onto Summer Street. Turn left onto Drydock Avenue (Boston Marine Industrial Park). 25 Drydock Ave will be on your left (past the Boston Design Center).

Press Inquiries

If you would like more information about RadLab, please contact us at 617.440.3588 or email info@radlabinc.com.