Redletter
Role
Designer
Redletter is an experiment in using 3D printing to produce tactile typography, made for Firebelly Design’s Typeforce Exhibition in Chicago. The custom letterforms are inspired by the constraints of 3D printing and rigid structure of gothic script (Blackletter), producing an object that mixes associations of old and new.
2D to 3D
My primary design challenge was designing a typeface that was legible, cohesive and printable. The method of printing I was using (stereolithography) was optimized for printing vertically and at 45 degree angles.
Embedded Magnets
Because of the varying widths, lightweight material and asymmetrical letters, I needed a way to ensure the pieces would hold their structure when connected without compromising the letterforms. I was able to embed neodymium magnets inside of each piece by modeling cavities and pausing the printer twice per print.
Design Evolution
As the design progressed the letterform components became increasingly modular.
Production Process
The physical prototype was produced using a Makerbot 2 3D printer.
Physical Prototype
Gallery Installation
The final presentation of the project was presented at the Typeforce 8 exhibition, hosted at the Co-Prosperity Sphere by Firebelly Design in Chicago.