Inspiration and 3D Concepts

To include this module into my own design project, I am using similar inspirational imagery and sketches.

I would like to create a piece inspired by the thoracic cage (rib cage) of a human. The overall simple bone structure and the curves could create an interesting model.

Below are some of my sketches and conceptual ideas for my rapid prototype.

Once I had a rough finalized idea on what I wanted to produce, I made a quick simple model in 3DS Max.

The idea is there however there are still major developments to be made. I really want the pieces to look organic and have some reference to the thoracic cage.

To produce this piece I am going to have to use a selection of tools that we have been taught. The simplest way would be to produce a single shape and extrude/bevel to manipulate it to form a bone inspired piece. Once the single piece has been made I can use the Align tool and repeat the object around a helix (circle). Attaching/linking all the pieces together and target welding the vector points (applied to the corners of every shape used) together to form a solid model. It would then be a matter of rescaling the object and checking everything is intact.

It does sound simple however I feel to do this professionally, it will take time.

Using 3DS Max Software

With only 3 main lessons to understand and grasp this new 3D design package and create our own rapid prototyped sample, I knew the learning would be intense and that I would be spending hours staring at a computer screen!

The 3DS Max software has a very easy to use interface with the majority of simple commands within three main menus placed on the right. The screen is divided into 4 main views which allows you to see your drawing in different perspectives. With tools such as Standard Primitives (Object Type), Modify and Array any constructed piece or pattern is achievable. It did help to take a lot of notes during class and have a good memory.

Below is a screen shot of a simple box which has been extended using Extrude and manipulated using Bevel.

Applying a tool called Turbosmooth allows the constructed piece to effectively be 'smoothed over' therefore creating a more rounded object.

Below is an example of using the Align - Spacing tool. A selected object can be placed on a single path and repeated round it.

Using these simple tools that I have learnt I hope to construct a connecting modular piece which is relevant to my current design project. I am really quite excited about putting my knowledge of this software into practice and producing an exciting and unusual model.

Rapid Prototyped Research

When researching rapid prototyping (3D printing) I came across many fascinating and complex designs. This research really opened my eyes to the possibilities of 3D software and printing especially within my own design work. The imagery I found was really inspiring and made me release the potential of this technology.

Below is just some of the 3D printed imagery I found:

1. Chris Mugeli - http://www.wsadt.net/2010/02/rapid-prototyping-facilities-in-london/

2. Bathsheba Grossman - http://www.rapidtoday.com/design.html

3. Quni Lamp - http://www.rapidtoday.com/design.html

I have also come across some interesting articles written about rapid prototyping including design and how designers are tackling the restrictions of 3D printing to produce new and exciting pieces.

Rapid Today - The Independent Resource for Users of Rapid Protoyping, raid Manufacturing and 3D Printing - http://www.rapidtoday.com/design.html

Transmaterial - Laser Sintered Textiles - http://transmaterial.net/index.php/2010/06/04/laser-sintered-textiles/