Experimenting with 3D Scanning

This week my primary focus was exploring how I could incorporate 3D Printing into my project. Following the feedback from last week, I wanted to see if it would be possible to create an object that has the story already encapsulated. I thought this could be an interesting way to connect the two key elements of my work into one.

One way I imagined doing this was through 3D printing peoples favourite objects and having the 'story' wrapped around it. This way it is a new version of the object that communicates the story with outside participants. To achieve this I would have the text embossed onto the object, meaning that when you pick up the object you feel the story straight away.

One reason I liked this idea is because it stuck with the theme that I learnt I like a few weeks ago. (How something that means everything to someone can mean nothing to everyone else.) This is because, at the end of the day it is not the object itself that holds value, but the story and life memories behind it. Therefore through 3D printing new versions of peoples objects it showcases how it is not the physical object that holds value, but the memories and story intertwined with it.

Example of how I imaginged the text to wrap onto objects

Learning Blender

Before this week I had 0 experience with 3D printing / scanning so was feeling very lost about where to begin with this idea. Due to this I went to speak to the 3D and digital lab to find out more information. After speaking to the technicians I learnt that in order to create what I want, I would need to learn blender. While I could use the 3D scanner to help create 3D copies of my objects, to achieve the embossed text effect I would need to learn how to use blender.

I spent the next few days following youtube tutorials and playing around with the software so that when it comes to adding text to my objects, I have a sound understanding of how blender works and the tools I would need.

Screenshots of learning how to use blender

3D Scanning

Once I felt like I had got my bearings with Blender, I went back to the 3D workshop and practiced using the 3D scanner. I wanted to create a file that I could then practice adding text onto. I thought a book would be an easy object to scan and add text to as it is a flat surface.

Using 3D Scanner

I was really glad that I decided to practice using the scanner this week before I brought in peoples real objects. Originally, the book I was planning to scan had a black cover which meant that the scanner really struggled to pick up any information other than the logo. Due to this I used another book I found in the lab which was lighter and worked much better.

Final Scan

Apparently scanning a book is quite hard. I did not think about the fact that when you lean it on the stand, the pages would splay open and change with every movement. This meant that it was very difficult to get an accurate image on the sides of the book. My final scan is therefore very messy. However I am glad that I learnt this now and compared to next week when I bring in peoples objects.

Reflection

One concern that I currently have with this idea is the legibility of the text once I print it onto an object. When looking at the 3D file of the book I created, I realised that with the text being printed in the same material it may be hard to read a whole story. While I like the concept of the idea, I am worried about how well it will communicate my idea.

Additionally, I am concerned that by having the story printed on the object I will recreate a disconnect between the story and the person / where it lives. I am wondering if there is another way I can 3D scan peoples objects and incorporate audio and visual elements to keep a connection from the start to finish.

Next Post: Idea 180