3D Printing¶
3D printing is a powerful digital fabrication technique that allows us to transform virtual designs into physical objects by building them layer by layer. It opens up endless possibilities for creating customized, complex, and innovative forms that would be difficult or even impossible to produce using traditional manufacturing methods. In this project, I used 3D printing not just as a tool for fabrication, but also as a creative medium to explore textures, structures, and the interaction between technology and costume design.
Fabrication Journey¶
The fabrication journey was a process full of experimentation and refinement. I used Crystal Clear PLA as the main 3D printing material, which added a beautiful translucent effect to the final pieces. The Sandwich Technique was applied, where the material was printed directly onto a layer of stretchy, thin mesh fabric, allowing the piece to be both flexible and wearable. The design was inspired by a broken glass pattern, developed through parametric design tools, which helped in creating a unique and intricate visual texture. It took around 2 to 3 weeks of testing and refining to finalize the design and achieve the desired level of flexibility, durability, and aesthetic impact.
First Phase – Exploring Random Shapes¶
The first phase of the 3D printing journey started with random shapes that I extracted from a real broken glass pattern. I experimented with different thicknesses, which led to interesting variations in both flexibility and appearance. This phase was essential in helping me understand how the material reacts to changes in the design.
Below are screenshots showing the printing settings, the process while printing, and the final results:
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Second Phase – Parametric Design Using Voronoi¶
In the second phase, my instructor suggested using the Voronoi technique to bring a more parametric approach into my project. This allowed me to explore a new layer of complexity while keeping the visual essence of broken glass.
Again, I went through rounds of testing before reaching the final outcome.
Here are the screenshots of the Voronoi design, print settings, printing process, and the final result:
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