A4: 3D Object Prototype — Top

Design:

Reflection:

• why you chose to create what you did

I wanted to create something that was functional and actually served a purpose. I decided that making a toy would be perfect for making a prototype because it could both be modeled and tested on whether it could be played with.

• challenges / frustrations you experienced

After my first print failed, I realized I would need to split my design up into separate parts so that there could be less supports. I also had to try to figure out a way to orient my model so that it wouldn’t fail within the first 5 minutes (I ended up putting it on its side so that there would be less supports, and more of a base for the printer to work off of).

• what you wish you had known at the outset

I wish I would have known to split my model into more pieces to aid in the printing process. Though my object printed out successfully it still wasn’t entirely symmetrical because it printed on its side, it got partially compressed so I lost some roundness to my model.

• things you enjoyed about the process

I really liked actually taking something from a virtual space / concept and making it into something physical that could be directly interacted with.

• pros and cons of the software you used

I used Rhino, and though I thought it was a powerful tool because there was a small amount of time to get familiar with the tool I was restricted in what I could model to print out on the 3d printer.