To 3D print you need a printable digital model.
The issue regarding the wherewithall to access 3D print technology is standard 3D design programmes as these are developed primarily for industrial designers requiring complex functionality to design for mass manufacturing processes.
Applied artists, like myself, can’t afford the steep learning curves required to master highly complex prescriptive programmes. Not having the wherewithal to create sound 3D digital models to 3D print means that we can’t easily access this amazing technology.
Looking for a way into 3D print technologies
Colleagues and I researched, designed and created a remarkable 3D modelling tool for applied artists to work freely and playfully in a risk free digital environment, to encounter serendipity, explore forms and effortlessly generate robust models to 3D print. The key is the tool’s ‘haptic’ capability, meaning it is touchy-feely. Not 2D touch but full 3D touch. We can literally touch and feel virtual objects as we form, manipulate and construct.
Affordable haptics
This ‘virtual touch’ haptic capability is generated by an affordable off-the-shelf robotic device replacing mouse and touch-pad. Also cursor and models are moved around in all 3 dimensions in a smoothly rotated ‘scene’.
The significance is tapping into how we naturally interact with doing and being in the real world. Our sense of touch makes learning easier and enjoyable. Working in this straightforward and intuitive way makes the creative process towards realising 3D printable concepts immersive and flowing.
To grasp the enormity of this for any creative practice our programme, Anarkik3DDesign, has to be experienced. I love using it for my own craft of jewellery and get great pleasure from seeing the 3D printed work of other creative people expanding their own capability through this fluid and enjoyable way of https://anarkik3d.co.uk/shop/working.
Ways to Access Anarkik3DDesign
Attend a workshop: Edinburgh (once a month), More info here. Munich (March 17th/18th 2020) More information here.
See and try at a demo: Ann Marie Shillito will give a presentation/demo at Romanian Jewellery Week in Bucharest(19-24th March 2020)
Contact one of our Anarkik Creators
Take on a loan of the hardware (Falcon haptic device/laptop) and 3D modelling software (Cloud9) for a few months. More information here. There is plenty material (tutorials, videos, worksheets) to learn by yourself in your own space in your own time.
Purchase your own system! Buy here, more information here. As above, you can self learn.
