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Recently I stumbled upon a Web-based service called "Fracture" (fractureme.com) that prints images on shatterproof glass. This inspired me to come up with a novel way to display a series of photos; one which capitalizes on the inherent physical properties of the glass (resisting small compression and shearing forces).
Pictured here is the end result of this thought experiment. By way of a very roundabout process, which included conceiving an intricate 6-way panel connector that, sadly, is almost impossible, or at least too expensive, to manufacture (the subject-to-be of a later instructable), I settled on an assembly constructed from parts found in the hardware aisle at Home Depot.
Rather than focusing on the imagery alone and allowing the framing mechanism to disappear--or perhaps just play a minor supporting role (literally)--in this project I chose to celebrate the display architecture. Follow these steps to do the same...
Pictured here is the end result of this thought experiment. By way of a very roundabout process, which included conceiving an intricate 6-way panel connector that, sadly, is almost impossible, or at least too expensive, to manufacture (the subject-to-be of a later instructable), I settled on an assembly constructed from parts found in the hardware aisle at Home Depot.
Rather than focusing on the imagery alone and allowing the framing mechanism to disappear--or perhaps just play a minor supporting role (literally)--in this project I chose to celebrate the display architecture. Follow these steps to do the same...
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Signing UpStep 1Ingredients
Here's a list of everything you need; no tools required (almost... the springs will slide onto the bolts more easily if you open up the ends a bit with a pair of needle-nose pliers). It's important to leave the nuts and bolts slightly loose or the glass may crack (I learned that lesson the hard way... twice!). The springs will hold the corner pieces in place, although it will take a little practice and dexterity to pull all of this together. Don't get frustrated. It can be done!
* 5 images of your choice printed on 8"-diag square glass (~5.6" per side) via fractureme.com (Note: Be sure to add the following in the comment field before completing checkout: "no mount please, but include white backing on all photos")
* 40 flat corner braces; 1-1/2"
* 24 corner braces; 1"
* 20 utility extension springs; 5/32 x 2-1/2 x .020
* 96 machine screws (round head combo); #6-32 x 3/4" (Note: You will only need 80 bolts, but you will need all 96 nuts.)
* 5 images of your choice printed on 8"-diag square glass (~5.6" per side) via fractureme.com (Note: Be sure to add the following in the comment field before completing checkout: "no mount please, but include white backing on all photos")
* 40 flat corner braces; 1-1/2"
* 24 corner braces; 1"
* 20 utility extension springs; 5/32 x 2-1/2 x .020
* 96 machine screws (round head combo); #6-32 x 3/4" (Note: You will only need 80 bolts, but you will need all 96 nuts.)
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http://www.planetarygear.org/2012/04/steampunk-photo-cube-lamp.html
Took about 2.5 hours -- no accidents!
Definitely a patience-tester, though... but it looks great. The photos here don't do it justice because you can't tell the scale of the thing. Sorry for the blurry photo -- may try to reshoot but you can see that it's a solid match to your own!
Thanks again for sharing the steps!
Great project - 5 stars.
Ordered my 5 pics... 10 day wait, but I'll be patient.
Hope that helps and thanks for the patch!
So how do you display it? Do you just leave it on a shelf somewhere?
Would it be possible to use magnets or something to suspend the cube, like in a shaft of light, so someone could take it out to look at it and then put it back and it would just hover in space, maybe rotating slowly...I can totally see that in my mind but have no idea how one would go about actually making it happen
I know that some might consider that cheating, but if you don't happen to have the spare cash for a CNC waterjet cutter, why not bring yourself up to the level of those who do?
As for my connector: its small size and multi-axis nature makes machining wasteful, welding difficult, and casting impossible. But I haven't given up yet; I've ordered a couple prototypes that will be 3D-printed in high-strength plastic from shapeways.com. Fingers crossed!
It reminds me of one I went to in Co. Cork... Maybe in Ballycotton perhaps? I can't remember quite where...
http://www.mcmaster.com/#1558a11
Bent corner braces, 1" X 1":
http://www.mcmaster.com/#1556A61
You can get the rest of the hardware there too.
Tip:
Once you have created the order, "forward" it to yourself.
Then click the "Edit and place order" button in the email.
This way it will be saved in case you want to order that compliment of parts again in the future. Just go back to the email and click the "Edit and place order" button again.
-Jim
Additionally, thank you for introducing me to fractureme.com. I just ordered a few prints =).
You could also print these pictures on a transparent or translucent film and then light the cube from within with an LED.
Love this project. My list goes on forever.
I suppose the other thing it does, based on many of the comments I've received, is delight people. The word "cool" comes up most frequently, but of course that's a subjective response.
See Mechanic2011's comments - this instructable was the foundation of a train of thought that goes to the next level. An instructable outlining that next level will get someone else thinking of a level beyond that and so on and so forth...
This is how we put men on the moon, and then establish international space stations and eventually we'll colonize other planets and explore the cosmose!
They DO sell picture photo display cubes in the stores that would do the same thing and are made out of plastic with a foam insert that holds all the pictures in place.
My mother has one of these from many years ago.
What about making a 3 dimensional "video cube" ??
It would use 4 LCD screens with a camera on each side pointing out the opposite direction ??
It's kind of the same idea used in a recent James Bond movie.
It was an adaptive comouflage system .
How about the system used by the predator monster that bends light around it self ?
Ya it was in the movies but still a cool idea.
It's simply a display case for photos and I guess to venture that every single person who walks into a room and see's it will love it.
Great job!