portfolio

Here is a portfolio for class!

3D modeling

3D modeling using the CRC Router

One project we had worked on for the last couple of weeks is using computer programs to design a 3-dimensional model that would be cut out of a material of our choosing by the CRC Router in the basement.  This was a neat project since most of the computer-run modeling machines I was used to using were the laser cutter and one that extrudes a material in layers that becomes an object (sort of like how a printer does).  We were able to start with some part of our designs already created for our thesis projects.  I wanted to use the wetland pool areas in my project since that area had the most change in topography.  I altered the actual design into a more abstracted pattern of that area, sort of like an art piece.

I started with laying out the design in AutoCAD since I was using a series of the same shapes in a pattern, and changing how contours in certain areas would change.

From there I took the file into SketchUp and turned the 2D image into a 3D model (lots of fun, try it if you have access to the programs).

 

After that, with great thanks to Josh, Simon, and Zach, it was turned into a code that the router would understand and I booked a time on the machine.

I chose to use plywood to show the contours of my model. and since the smallest bit was about 1/4 inch I had to make my model larger so the smallest cut was at that size.  I did not want to accidentally cut into the table so I ended up laminating 4 layers of 3/4 ply together.

Cutting was fun, took a while though since the model ended up at 2'x3' and much of the first layer was chewed away.

After this the surface is sanded a bit smoother, however the small finishing bit did give it a nice texture.  I do like the odd notching on the diagonal lines, it might have been nice to stop the finishing bit half-way through to show the texture left by the first bit as it was neat in a sculptural sense.  A resin or transparent liquid can be used to represent water in the depressions, whether I would want to include other materials for plant materials or something similar is another matter.  I like being able to see the layers though.