Introduction: I Scream for I-Beam

By negmarchs.com
About: My work intersects the fields of architecture, design, making and writing. I grew up in Nicosia, Cyprus - between lines, thresholds and obscure histories. I studied Architecture at the University of Bath and r…

Ever wondered how many I's you use in a sentence?

Don't be selfish. Imagine... Your I's melting, turning and swirling and being shared with others.

Time to scream for ice-cream.

This is the Architect who'll teach you how to turn the I-Beam into an Ice-Cream.

Got a bit of a sweet tooth? Interested in curves and flow-lines? Then lets make the first authentic I-ce cream

  • Introduce your-self to the world of 3d modelling
  • Sweep 1
  • Boolean difference
  • 3d print
  • make a mould with appropriate food container material
  • cast your ice-cream in your bespoke I-mould

If you like this then share your I's photographs and recipes, collaborate with me to build a whole fridge of delights. I'd love to work with someone to build a 3d robotic extruder of the I profile and develop this further.

Who knows maybe we can set-up a kickstart page https://www.kickstarter.com/profile/1690132464/ab...

Get in touch.

Recommended software: Rhino or Maya. Commands may vary.

Make sure that all the gear you use is food-safe

Step 1: ​What You'll Need

  1. Cross section curve - I (You can find lots different sizes and types online. Type in PictureFrame to import and scale in the right size. Work in mm.Trace it using a polyline)
  2. Rail curve (Use top view to draw. Go on I know you like a good B-Spline! Rotate and align centered and vertically)

Step 2: Sweep Iterations

  1. You can vary the control points of the Rail Curve by pressing POn and moving them around with the Gumball tool.
  2. Make sure your Rail is Aligned to the middle of your Cross Section Curve
  3. Type in Sweep 1
  4. Select Rail Curve and Cross Section Curve
  5. Cap
  6. Create a bounding box offset 5mm and Boolean Difference to see how your mould would work.

Step 3: Prepare the Geometry for Mould-making

  1. Export your geometry in .STL format and 3d print to the correct size.
  2. Use a brush to cover the print with food safe silicone/ edible paint to prepare the geometry for mould-making.

Step 4: Container Box

  1. Create a Bounding Box to your geometry and offset by 5mm
  2. This will give you the dimensions of your casting container
  3. Mark the midpoint in height and assemble the box
  4. Place coated 3d print and centre in the box
  5. Prepare your gelatine mixture
  6. Cast up to half and add hardener
  7. Cast the other half
  8. Remove the container

Step 5: Gelatine Mould

  1. Flip the geometry upright - top I profile showing
  2. Gently remove the 3d print from the gelatine mould

Step 6: Ice-cream Infill

  1. Add your favourite ice-cream. Create your own recipes, vary the texture and color (Sorbet preferably due to its low viscosity)
  2. Using a special dispenser/ syringe fill your gelatine moulds
  3. Add your lolly stick
  4. Place in freezer for a couple of hours

Step 7: I-ce Cream Ready. Enjoy!

  1. Remove from fridge and dispose gelatine
  2. Scream for Ice-cream
  3. Enjoy and don't forget to share your photos and recipes