1. I hire a 3d designer to create the 3d model I want. For example, I send him a couple of photos of Alan Turing
2. After I am happy with the likeness, I 3d print it. In this phase the 3d model comes to life and it's usually quite different from what we see on the computer as a 3d model. It has something to do with the difference in perspectives in which the designer designs shapes and in which we observe the item when it's produced as a real physical shape. This is very hard to get it right. Then we repeat the steps from 1 until I am happy with the likeness and the facial expression (this can be many iterations)
3. When I have the 3d printed positive, I create a mold using silicone rubber
4. The 2-part mold is then ready to be used for hundreds of castings (I use concrete)
1- You download already made objects at youmagine, thingiverse or github.
2- You need to load your model and press a button that says "print".
3- You can make objects any other way in wood, metal or clay and 3d scan it to make it digital. E.g Cars are regularly designed on clay, and 3d scanned to make a computer model that you can replicate forever and edit in the computer.
I could spend hours carving wood or drilling, milling, lathing it. But all this work has to be replicated if I need another piece. Digitalization means anyone, anywhere could replicate my piece(or analyze in a CAM, CAE program).
Just wanted to say thank you so much for the considered response. This is all extremely helpful in terms of confirmation / perspective / wisdom. I'm a big fan of 3D modelling too for different projects and I'm still curious about the idea of paying a scanning service for these sculptures, which are more on the artsy / detailed side for better or worse. But in any case I'm excited to learn more and start modelling and printing. Thank you again, this is all hugely helpful and encouraging!
Inre #1–2, Is anyone selling custom parts produced on that Carbon3D printer? That is, someone that ingests a shapefile (or whatever) and mails back a part printed on one of these machines?
For the first person to make it that hasn't simply used the output of somebody else's 3D scanning process on a complete device (eg construction from multiple photographs or "scan" from a smart-phone or holding it in front of a kinect-life device and turning it around).
"Given the right prompt you can ask for ideas for decorations, architecture, product design, advertisements and who knows what else. It's only a matter of time before it creates 3d images and gets connected to a 3d printer then we'll be able to print some of what we see."
I've written this before but it's relative to this discussion.
Also design mechanical stuff for a living. I’ve spent multiple days over the course of the past six months creating drawings to demonstrate how a design will ‘feel’ once made. A 1:1 3d model that other stakeholders could walk into would be so much more effective.
2. After I am happy with the likeness, I 3d print it. In this phase the 3d model comes to life and it's usually quite different from what we see on the computer as a 3d model. It has something to do with the difference in perspectives in which the designer designs shapes and in which we observe the item when it's produced as a real physical shape. This is very hard to get it right. Then we repeat the steps from 1 until I am happy with the likeness and the facial expression (this can be many iterations)
3. When I have the 3d printed positive, I create a mold using silicone rubber
4. The 2-part mold is then ready to be used for hundreds of castings (I use concrete)
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