Digital bodies¶

1. Objective¶

To design and fabricate a physical body structure/mannequin by integrating 3D scanning, mesh manipulation, and slicing workflows with laser cutting manufacturing. The project documents the entire digital-to-analog workflow, from artistic inspiration and 3D data capture to file preparation, machine parameters, and physical assembly.

2. References, research & inspiration¶

The first idea I had was to create a layered skin body based on this movie scene Knight of cups by Terrence Malick 2015

Later, I wanted to express an intriguing line from the film that says, 'there is so much love inside us that never comes out.' So I changed my mind and began exploring the physical aspect that speaks of vulnerability, repressed desires, and the fear of loving, using the following reference from pinterest.

"Then I remembered there were some mannequins in the textile design department's storage room, so I got down to work. "

3. Tools¶

- [3D Scan with Creality Scan](https://www.crealitycloud.com/es/downloads/software/creality-scan/Windows)
- [Mesh repair and Modeling on Blender](https://www.blender.org/)
- [Slice 3D Model on Slicer for Fusion 360](https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/tsarticles/ts/3yg7zznS94MHNDG7KMV8Qg.html)
- [3d Scan on Polycam](https://poly.cam/es)

4. Process and workflow¶

To describe the work and exploration process, I will begin with the following list where I develop each step in detail.

I used Polycam software to make a 3D scan of a thermal cup, which it could never recognize. However, my classmate Teresa successfully managed to scan her own face.

Video from Teresa de León YouTube channel:

4.1 Experimentation of Creality 3D Scanner¶

Then, with the help of Alberto Blanco, who explained how to use the Creality 3D scan and its scanner, I began configuring the necessary parameters in the application, which I detail below.

Using the scanner at the appropriate height and distance, I began testing on my classmate Katia's face; however, it did not turn out well because her model was duplicated.

They also created a scan with my own face, which I found tedious and time-consuming. I took this as a clue that working with a person would be very complicated unless there is a high level of willingness.

4.2 Parameterization and configuration of the laser machine¶

Continuing with the practice, Alberto Blanco taught us how to configure the parameters of the university's laser cutting machine, prepare the material, and program the cutting origin.

Using a digital caliper, I measured the thickness of the cardboard we used, which had an uneven thickness.

Once we had the cut pieces that we previously passed through the Slicer for Fusion 360 software, I organized them to facilitate their assembly.

Upon completion, the model looked excellent; a head volume was successfully created that could work as a mannequin. But considering my Pinterest reference, I needed to make a serial planes structure instead of using stereotomy to convey my intention.

4.3 Creality 3D Scanner configuration¶

So I returned the next day to use the Creality scanner and configured it as follows.

From the software, I used the options of Infrared mode, with point cloud as the scanning mode, the object type would be a body, in tracking mode I set geometry and excluded the flat base.

I started by scanning my own face to familiarize myself with the correct distance in order to get a better result.

I placed the mannequin on the floor; I liked the position I put it in since it seemed more intentional to show the vulnerability I wanted to convey.

I started scanning from the bottom up to the head to maintain a correct sequence, which took me several attempts and approximately 2 hours.

Upon finishing, I had to process the mesh, applying a resolution of 1, with noise removal at 70 percent, allowing it to be exported as OBJ and STL.

This is a preview of the mesh result. To it, I would add an extruded rectangle as a base which seems to be intersecting a part of the mannequin's arms, almost as if it were trapped between a wall.

4.4 Mesh repair and slicing¶

I placed the mesh in Slicer for Fusion 360 to preview what the result would look like.

With each cut piece, from home I began gluing with cyanoacrylate and baking soda to improve adhesion.

This is a sample of how I worked for around 4 hours assembling it, since the software gives an engraved reference on each piece of where the next one will go, however, there is a significant margin of error that I had to avoid.

The result of the gluing was as follows.

Once the piece was secured, I painted it with blue paint on the flat part and painted the edges of the cardboard black so that the color changed in 2 directions depending on the angle.

5. Results¶

The result was this, a beautiful sculpture of a woman trapped by their own desire to love and experience life but paralized by her fears.

The model height was 40 centimeters and its width was 25 centimeters.

5.1 3D Models¶

6. Weekly reflection & critical thinking¶

• I learned to become better at concept on my development of my projects. To create mesh and repair them from my 3D scan.
• I'm really proud of the result, one of the best approaches I have done in my career.
• I think this connect my trajectory with my final project by giving me some skills and so much knowledge about how to make an impact with the shape of the ideas, the reasons I decide to work in a certain way and how to express myself authentically.
• For the environment, as it can be crafted in materials less polutives as cardboard, there is a possible path to recycle and reuse the materials that would be wasted.

7. Fabrication files & References¶