For this video a stationary camera was set up at the beach to capture the sand surface left behind after each incoming wave receded. The collected surfaces were converted to three dimensional models and carved by a CNC machine into a block of foam in the order that they were collected. After a surface was cut the machine incrementally lowered down before carving the next one. This was repeated until there was no longer any foam to carve.

Step 1: Collect Sand Images

Every time a wave washed in at the beach a downward pointed stationary camera took a photo of the surface of the sand left after the water receded.

Step 2: Convert Image to Bump Map

The still images of the sand surface were converted into a displacement files.

Step 3: 3D Stl

The displacement file of each sand surface was then converted to three dimensional stl files.

Step 4: Generate Toolpaths

In CAD/CAM software, the stl models from the sand surface were arranged one on top of another in the order they were collected and a CNC toolpath was created from the stacked models.