Assignments

HOMEWORK AND ASSIGNMENTS 

Practical Homework 1 (optional / extra cred)

  1. Apply a Voronoi Pattern to a model (of your choice) through this tutorial.
  2. Export and upload your .stl file to our class google drive folder

_____________________________________________________________________________

Assignment 1: Support Structures (suggested theme)

structures of support 

support structures

and support structures for structures of support 

This assignment is about disrupting the depersonalizing effects of isolation and creating objects which inspire empathetic behavior. Models must be print ready!!!

1) Make sure the model is watertight
Close holes and/ or fix non-manifold geometry via these steps:

  • Edit -> Make Solid (note: go through settings to boost the ‘solid accuracy’ and click ‘Update’ to preview the results. Be very careful when increasing the ‘mesh density – this is not always a good idea! Hit ‘W’ on your keyboard so that you can see what you are doing. Keep an eye on the triangle count in the lower left hand corner of the Viewport.
  • Analysis -> Inspector -> Fill holes

2) Generate structural supports for overhangs. (Do this in Meshmixer)

  • Ensure that you export the supports as solids from within the Overhangs Tool.

3) Double Check that your model is sized right to be printed. Click on Analysis -> Units/ Dimensions

4) Export (and upload) your file in the .stl file format. Include “with_Supports” in the title if the mesh has supports that have been generated. (This will indicate to lab staff that they do not need to generate more, before the model is printed.)

5) include a Written Description with the model/ upload:

  • Include a 1- 2 paragraph description of the concept behind your project / model (as a text file).
  • List the dimensions and preferred filament for your model’s output at the end of this description.
  • _____________________________________________________________________________

Blog 1: documentation of Assignment 1, “Support Structures”

Posting must include:
– a description of the model/ concept
– at least 3 screen shots of the finished model (including a picture of it with overhang supports)
– include the materials (i.e., the proposed filament choice ) and the model’s print dimensions.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Assignment 2: 3D Print from Shapeways, open concept

This sculpture is to be printed @ Shapeways. The finished object is due on Wednesday, Sept 23rd.

    • You may use the object that you created  for Assignment 1, but with further refinements added such as more detail,  surface texture, etc. In other words, it must be improved and technically refined.
    • OR, you may make an entirely new object. (But make sure you can complete it by the same deadline.)
    • The model does not need to have supports generated.
    • Upload your model (without supports) to the Shapeways Material Configurator Page, and go through the selection process of Material options. Take a screenshot of the final configuration of your preference.
    • Hand it in to the Assignment 2: Shapeways Print Folder
    • Include a text with your model that specifies:
      1. the shapeways-specific material
      2. any sub-options for that material (such ‘smooth’ vs ‘smoothest’ which have different costs)
      3. the print’s dimensions
      4. the price quoted by Shapeways.
    • Include a screenshot from the Shapeways model upload page that shows your material + material finish choices, as well as the price of the final print.
    • Budget: you may spend up to $70 of your lab fees on this print.

Final Project

In consultation with the instructor, develop a final project that shows your mastery of digital fabrication skills covered during the semester. The concepts/ aesthetic/ and design are up to you to define. You may expand on a previous project so long as there is significant expansion in scope. The final project must consist of an original, artistic work or installation created using the skills obtained in class exercises and inspired by course content. Be prepared to give a presentation of your project in class at it’s inception and it’s completion. This can be a collaborative project, however, collaboration must be pre-approved. The final project must not be based on the replication of an existing design or tutorial authored by another person.

You will be graded on the creativity, originality, and craftsmanship exhibited in your final project, as well as your presentation of it during critiques. Please be prepared to walk us through the concepts + ideas behind your final piece, as well as what inspired you to create the work. Last, you will be expected to discuss the material choices you made, and show us documentation of the process of designing and constructing it – from start to finish.

Additional Requirements & Deliverables

Blog Posting on Final Project due on (or before) the Second Day of Final Critiques.

  1. Include a well written, detailed project description that is of at least a half page in length. The description should cover concepts + ideas behind your final piece, as well as information on what inspired you to create the work. Describe the material choices you made and why.
  2. Include documentation of the digital processes involved in designing and constructing the final project – from start to finish.  This documentation must include screenshots of your 3D models from various angles, a few images of the process of editing and prepping in the software you are using, highlights of specific settings based on the materials you are using, etc. (approximately 7 – 10 images)
  3. Include video and photographic documentation of the final, fabricated work – preferably set up/ exhibited in the type of environment where you’d like to see it experienced. Video documentation: should be greater than 3 minutes but less than 5 minutes showing your tools, techniques, and outcomes (you may wish to use the application iShowU to collate video of your demonstration). Be sure to take lots of detail shots
  4. Turn in your photo and video documentation into the instructor via the class Final Projects folder (in addition to including it in your blog post).
  5. Final grades will not be released until all documentation is received / posted.