For this project we had to create an origami form, and then using Tinkercad, we had to re-create that form into a 3D shape. Afterwords, we had to submit our 3D drawing to be printed using the 3D printer at the university. For my project, I decided to create an origami turtle, following this tutorial:
It took a few tries, but after creating a few I was able to create something that resembled what I was trying to create.
Afterwords, I started working on my 3D design in Tinkercad. This was my first time working with this program, so I had to learn from the tutorials before I could begin.
Overall I did not find the program too difficult to use, but at times it would get confusing when trying to resize the shapes. It also was confusing to differentiate between the option to shirk the shapes thickness and the option to move the shape up or down in the space, so sometimes it took me awhile to get the shapes exactly the way I wanted them to be.
In order to create my turtle, I started working with the shape when it was upside-down flat. This made it easier to build up from there. So I started with the base shape (the shell), and then worked on adding the legs of the turtle individually until I had it resembling my original origami creation. Then I added the head, and flipped the turtle over, to add a bit more to the back of the shell.
After awhile I was able to create something that resembled my origami turtle.
After working on this assignment, it made me think of how useful programs like this are for wanting to create something. Once I figured out how to make all of the shapes, it became less of a complicated task and more fun. It would be interesting to try and create something larger, or more complicated than the shape that I created for this project. Overall, I am looking forward to seeing how my 3D print turns out, and to see it change from a computer drawn image, to an actual object.
To see my STL file click the link: here (Sourced from Google Drive)
This project made me think more about 3D printing and other projects that are happening using this technology. Two examples that I found interesting include:
3D Printing of Prosthetic Hands. People creating these gives more people the opportunity to have or even print their own prosthetics. It is not only something that can be unique, but is also functional and helps a lot of people. The website where they share their files is here.
Shapeways (Link) is also an interesting site where 3D printed projects are shared and sold. It might not be a single project, but websites like these open up the market to anyone with access to one of these machines, and allows them to sell their work.
Both of these projects shape contemporary culture because they can impact anyone. The people who need things from these sources have access to build and create their own projects or find the project they need made by somebody else and get access to it easily. It gives a new idea to only being able to access things in stores, or through specialists in the particular field. Projects like these and others give an example to how the world is changing in a more creative way.
Here is my finished 3D Print, alongside of my original origami work.
