After seeing what 123D Catch could do, and then catching a model of my own head, I decided that I needed to make my girlfriend a 3D printed locket with me in it. I figured that either she would find this endearing or laughably cheesy and sentimental (and - hence - endearing). When I gave it to her, she seemed to like it. I couldn't tell why, but I suspect it is the former reason.
For me, the tricky part about this was modeling the locket. I am by no means a stranger to 3D modeling; It is just that my skills are a little rusty. After teaching myself 3DS Max when I was 15, and then spending two full years of college doing 3D animation in Maya, I left the world of virtual 3D forms and did not look back. Over the years, all of the trauma was carefully purged from my head while I spent my time making real things. If I had known ten years ago that by making virtual things, you would some day be able to press a button and get a real thing in return, I may not have been so quick to flash my memory. Anyhow, while I may have been quite good at 3D modeling 10 years ago, I am currently in the process of relearning a lot of the skills. Fortunately, it is coming back rather quickly.
I am including two different sets of files. The first set is the 3-part locket in STL format for people without 3DS Max and who just want to figure this out on their own. The second set is the 3DS Max file that is set up such that it will be easy to import and insert your face into the locket. The following instructions will show you how to use the 3DS Max file to complete and export your own custom locket.
For me, the tricky part about this was modeling the locket. I am by no means a stranger to 3D modeling; It is just that my skills are a little rusty. After teaching myself 3DS Max when I was 15, and then spending two full years of college doing 3D animation in Maya, I left the world of virtual 3D forms and did not look back. Over the years, all of the trauma was carefully purged from my head while I spent my time making real things. If I had known ten years ago that by making virtual things, you would some day be able to press a button and get a real thing in return, I may not have been so quick to flash my memory. Anyhow, while I may have been quite good at 3D modeling 10 years ago, I am currently in the process of relearning a lot of the skills. Fortunately, it is coming back rather quickly.
I am including two different sets of files. The first set is the 3-part locket in STL format for people without 3DS Max and who just want to figure this out on their own. The second set is the 3DS Max file that is set up such that it will be easy to import and insert your face into the locket. The following instructions will show you how to use the 3DS Max file to complete and export your own custom locket.
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Signing UpStep 1: Iterations
This locket went through a number of design iterations. The main problem was the hinge. The first two were too small and disintegrated when removing the build material. The third had tight tolerances and got fused... and then snapped. Same story with the fourth. I thought that if I made number 3 larger, the problem would resolve itself, but... nope. Finally, I got the hinge down just right. I reinforced the connection to the locket, increased the size of the rungs, and perfected the tolerances. I also added 2 extra rungs. You can see the difference between the two designs here.
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How long and how much does it take if one wants to do his grand children ??
A
Is the next step to cover it in gold leaf? ;-)
http://www.ponoko.com/make-and-sell/show-material/240-3d-printed-gold-plate#main-image
That is much cooler than gold leaf - and would make a great Instructable! (hint, hint)