Disney’s research laboratory has taken the 3D printing process up a notch, using movable embedded masses to act as counterweights, creating solutions to complex balance issues.

Using a set of hollow capsules and embedded metallic spheres, the printing method can change the centre, or centres, of mass within 3D-printed models, resulting in objects that can change their centre of gravity depending on how they are posed.

“With a single realisable centre of mass it is often physically impossible to optimise multiple objectives, making solutions inherently limited,” said the research paper.

“We overcame this limitation by introducing embedded movable masses inside the 3D printed model. This leads to the final object having different centres of mass depending on its pose, which we leverage to simultaneously optimise a combination of balancing objectives.”

The method can support models with multiple poses and can be used to achieve balancing objectives in multiple situations, such as correct gravity suspension or liquid immersion.

Disney says in the paper that with additional research, it would like to further enhance the process by investigating use of granular materials such as sand, or the use of fluids to achieve its balancing objectives, which would “shift focus towards simulation-based design”.

To read the full study, click here.