Pulpform

Pulpform is a hybrid craft for making lightweight 3D objects with paper-like qualities. We developed Pulpform by investigating how desktop 3D printing and traditional paper making might be combined for a new composite material.

In Pulpform, 3D printing is a tool that becomes a material. We use custom toolpaths to fabricate 3D printed armature that function as the mesh for water screening paper pulp. By varying the size of the mesh cells, we were able to control where paper fibers deposit and entangle with the 3D printed armature. We then used Pulpform as designers-makers and developed a range of applications based on real world scenarios—including masks for performing arts, air flters, and sensing origami.

In the paper, we reflect on the development of Pulpform and discuss the emerging perspectives that we formed around tools for making, as well as the qualities of “paperness” and “frugality” that guided our work.

Authors
Qian Ye
Chixin Zhang
E Ian Siew
Ching-Chiuan Yen
Clement Zheng

Assistants
Vina Setiawaty
Hor Junjie

DIS 2026

Paper

Pulpform Workflow

At the core of Pulpform lies how pulp fibers and 3D-printed armatures interact during the papermaking process. We began by formulating a pulp mixture that is suitable for paper screening with 3D-printed armatures, while maintaining the tactility and surface quality of paper. In parallel, we explored a variety of 3D-printed armature configurations, alongside customized screening tools and processes. We then systematically characterized the e#ect of armature and paper pulp parameters on the resulting bonding states between these two elements.

3D-Printed Armature

In the traditional water screening technique, a wooden frame holds a mesh to capture suspended fibers. In this research, we explored how 3D-printed armatures could be used to screen paper pulp. We investigated and adapted the traditional paper screening method and tools to accommodate these 3D paper composite geometries.

2D patterns

2.5D contoured surfaces

3D volumetric matrices

Applications
We designed and built a range of applications to showcase Pulpform, showcasing its possibilities for interaction and product design.

1—Air filter

2—Foldable Fan

3—Interactive Crane

4—Mask

5—Vessel