I was interested in modeling more freeform, curved objects. In addition, my main motivation for 3D printing is the ability to print more complex, intricate shapes. So while the first model I made is more abstract, the second one was inspired by fire coral.
I modeled my objects in Rhino with Grasshopper. Both use the same outline curve. For the coral inspired shape I used Cocoon components in Grasshopper.
Printed the abstract model on the Sindoh. The software gave an error that the model was quite thin. To give the object some strength I used a 100% infill. While the software was able to generate a support structure for the abstract shape, it was not able to generate one for the coral shape.
So I reverted to the Formlabs printer to print that one. I took that opportunity to reprint my abstract shape to determine the difference in printing performance. After the prints finished and soaked in their alcohol baths, I removed the support before UV curing, to take advantage of the prints still being a bit soft and less prone to breaking.
I am pleased with the coral print. I am less satisfied with the abstract curved shape, since the edges are not as smooth as I would have liked them to be. I attribute that to both model imperfections and 3D printing limitations. Between the Formlabs and Sindoh printer, the Formlabs seemed to achieve slightly nices edges. The white print from the Sindoh printer also had some darker dirt (source unknown) embedded in it.
The scanner allowed for export as an stl for 3D printing and an obj with texture mapping for rendering. After the export I did a little post-processing in Rhino to remove a small twig attached to the acorn.
I printed the acorn on the Sindoh printer. The print is a bit ugly where it touched the support material, but turned out quite well overall.
