Henry Yin, Lauren Budovsky, Saanvi Desai
14th September 2023 (Week 1 Class)
In this first class, we were shown the 3D scanning techniques by Jacob.
21st September 2023 (Week 2 Class)
In the second week, we were taken through an introduction of the software Blender by Eman. He showed us basic layout and modelling techniques that would be integral to our final model later down the line.
We also began brainstorming about the 3D object we would use and also the conceptual thinking behind it. Influenced by the interesting designs that headphone cups/covers often have, we decided to choose headphones as our object to manipulate in the 3D space.
As we were required to create four designs, we were also drawn to the theme of the four seasons- summer, spring, winter, autumn.
Thus, combining these two elements, we began ideating and creating rough drafts of how we envision our final product to look like.
We also attempted to scan Lauren’s Sony wh-1000xm4 headphones using the Polycam app. However, we struggled to make that work due to the non-stationary, rotating nature of the headphones. As a result, we tried a variety of odd techniques- from propping up the headphones up with a string and circling it multiple times with a camera to rotating it several times with our hands and leaving the camera view in the same place. None of these worked.
Throughout Week 2
Throughout the week we decided to pivot and choose the object of glasses instead. Working better this time, it was actually able to scan via the Polycam object.
We spent the rest of the week adjusting the design of the glasses on Blender so it can be one cohesive structured design, ready for printing. We began by removing the table face that was captured in the scan but this this left other problems such as the sharp edges, vertices, and faces that did not connect nor were smooth.
28th September 2023 (Week 3 Class)
We began class with Jacob showing us the 3D printers and the process of printing it. Luckily, we had an altered design of our glasses that appeared ready to print, at least as a first prototype. Thus we decided to send it to the printer.
Throughout Week 3
After reviewing the printed model of our glasses, we realized that there were too many delicate areas that came with the unconnected edges and vertices in our Blender file. This made taking out the support systems almost impossible to be removed without damaging the actual object. The unsmooth edges also made the final product appear rough.
Thus we decided to create our own glasses model from scratch.
By using toruses and cylinders as well as multiple scaling and rotating functions, we were able to model a clean structure of glasses. It was difficult to replicate the initial sunglasses’ square-shaped design, so we resorted to the smaller and circular lens design instead. This allowed for us to focus on the main size and shape of the lenses instead of focusing on adding each minor detail.
Then we individually used Blender to alter and add the theme elements of seasons to this foundational base design of our glasses.
Henry- Summer
Going from the simple, yet clean structure of the glasses, I wanted to add elements elements that enabled the theme of summer to be evoked. To do this, I took a half a cylinder, replicating a sunray, and duplicated it, rotating it around the frame of the circular glasses. With this design on both frames, it gives the appearance of a fun and inviting sun.
When it came to the temples (side pieces) of the glasses, I wanted to add an ocean design. Thus, looking at the side profile and using the draw tool, I drew a wave-like design. I then adjusted the depth and thickness of it before aligning it with the side piece of the temple so that it connects. I also changed the angles of these so it looks more “wavy” and there are less sharp edges.
By duplicating this on the other temple of the glasses, and making the frames of every part of the glasses thicker for increased durability, the final product was established. .
I then sent it to the 3D printer in the IYA makerspace.
Lauren- Autumn
For my iteration of the glasses I used our initial scan of the glasses for the lens frames then used Blender to extrude the arms since they had not scanned well on their own. I then sculpted the lens frame using Blender to emulate the shape of leaves since my design was inspired by the fall season.
Saanvi- Spring
Since the initial scanned file was difficult to clean up, we decided to create our own file for the glasses visualized above. This is the same base glasses that Henry utilized as well. The add-ons allowed for creativity and customization of each season of the glasses. With my season being spring, I hoped to add in a flower-like element to the glasses. The flowers were difficult to scale down in Blender while maintaining the texture and array modifiers, but, we were able to produce a structure that is representative of both the scanned glasses and the season theme. I also had trouble removing the supports post-printing, but super glue worked to my advantage with this one!
(Sent in to 3d printer)
(Printed file with supports)
Final product
