I started by taking a 3D scan of myself with the Sense. I adjusted the size settings to match my dimensions, but even with a partner I still couldn't get a complete scan without the Sense losing tracking. I wonder if it needs to have a monochrome background, or at least something less cluttered than the lab. Regardless, When scanning just by head and upper torso, I was able to get a usable 3D mesh without too much trouble.
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1. 3D Scanning
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| After erasing a few errant tufts of hair, I had a relatively smooth 3D model. | ||
2. 3D Modeling
I imported the mesh into Rhino for modeling. I used the mesh as a reference point for an elipical helmet, which would have been burlap composite and fit snuggly on the head, and could be covered by the exterior model (designed for laser-cut cardboard). However, creating a satisfactory model from planar cardboard proved a fairly difficult modeling challenge, and I realized the scope of designing a full helmet might be out of my design reach for this assignment.
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| Baseline for the elipsoid helmet. | ||
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| It was difficult to conceive of a good "base" for mounting the framing pieces on, will need to futher research design methods in the future. | ||
I decided to change my parameters, and construct a lasercut frame of my 3D scan model. In order to create a grid latice of joints and planes, I first created an array of 2cm spaced horizontal planes, and then 3.5cm spaced vertical planes. I then used the MeshTrim function to trim away any surfaces not intersectiong with the mesh. The result was a series of flat mesh layers, on which I used the DupBorder command to transform them into smooth curves, and then planar surfaces (PlanarSrf
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| Creating a 3D Grid. Use MeshTrim to trim the layers to fit the mesh. | ||
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| The curved line sets the depth for the slots that will be subtracted from the cardboard. | ||
I then created a curved profile along the sagital axis of the head, and then spaced this along each verticle "rib" of the model. I then did a BooleanDifference with the newyly created curved layers and the horizontal layers, resulting in horizontal slots wide enough for the cardboard (.16").
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| The end result, in Rhino. | ||
Finally, I used DupBorder to recreate the curves on the edge of each piece, and then aligned them across 3 boards. The pieces were large and award to arrange, so there was a bit more wasted carboard then I usually like to see. After that, it was off to the laser cutter.
3. Laser Cutting
As I have come to expect from the laser cutter, there were no major issues mostly everthing went smoothly. I forgot to change the vector line widths from "1px" to "hairline", which the printer couldn't process. Once I relized the mistake, cutting was quick and easy.
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| The end result, in living color. | ||