Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the way we create and appreciate art. By harnessing the power of algorithms, we can generate mesmerizing visuals that evoke emotions, challenge conventions, and inspire wonder. In this instructable, we’ll explore how to take these digital masterpieces and turn them into stunning 3D-printed wall art. You do not need any skills in 3D modeling or any creativity! You can just sit back and let the AI make stunning visual art that no one else in the world will have!

Supplies

Materials

PLA Filament
Glue Stick
Nails for Hanging

Equipment

3D Printer

Software

Fusion360
Cura Slicer (or other stl slicer)
An AI Companion

Step 1: Generate Your Art

Start by creating or obtaining an AI-generated art piece. Several online platforms use AI technology to generate stunning visuals. My favorite all-in-one AI shop is Microsoft's CoPilot. Other Good alternatives are Dalle-3, Gemini, or Canva.

The next step is to create a prompt. Since you want to be able to convert the images to 3D models quickly, you want to have all of the lines connecting. I generated my art using the phrase "Generate a lion using only a single line" This gave me a black-and-white image of a lion using one connected thick line. If you get too thin of lines, try asking the AI to generate it with thicker lines. If it adds background details you can add the phrase " Make using a black line on a white background".

Step 2: Choose Your Design

Select the AI-generated artwork you’d like to 3D print. Consider factors like line thickness, composition, and style. Remember that intricate designs may be hard to 3D print. You can print anything from a fun animal you love to an inspirational quote!

Step 3: Convert Image to SVG

For Fusion 360 to be able to see the lines within the image, we need to convert the file into an SVG. This is a pretty quick operation. The easiest and quickest way to convert the image is to use an online image converter. If you have a free Adobe account you can use their online converter. But if you are like me and don't remember if you have an account, you can use Convertio.

Step 4: Design the 3D Model

Step 1: Create a sketch

Under the main ribbon click the square with the plus on it to create a new sketch

Step 2: Import SVG

While inside the sketch, click the insert drop-down and select Import SVG.
After you import, the screen may not show up with your image. If that is the case, zoom out until you see it.

Step 3: Extrude the lines

Click Finish Sketch
Click the extrude button (next to the create a sketch button)
Select the outline of the object
Extrude to the desired height. I liked the 1/8" extrusion

Step 4: Export as STL

Open up the bodies folder
Right-click on Body1
Click Save as Mesh
Do a high refinement and make the units mm

Step 5: Slice the Model

Upload your STL to your favorite 3d printer slicer. Once you import it use the scale options to size the print to the size you desire. If you want to do a large print, you can use the slicer's "model splitting" features to print sections of your print at a time. You can then glue each section together. You may want to put a multi-section print on some sort of backer to help give the model some strength.

Step 6: 3D Print

Load your favorite color into your printer and start printing! If you want to make wall art that will be outside, I recommend using a more UV-stable filament than PLA. ABS or ASA is a great choice. Since each line can get pretty thin, I recommend using a layer of glue between the bed and the print to help adhere to the first layer.

Make sure your bed is completely leveled before starting your print, or else you may encounter errors on the first layer. Here is a great instructable on how to level your bed for an ender 3.

If you don't have a printer you can use an online supplier like PCBway to 3D print your AI-generated designs for you!

Step 7: Post Processing and Displaying!

The last step is to make sure your print is free of any strings or ugly bumps. You can easily remove strings between the lines of the print using a heat gun, hair dryer, or lighter. If you wish to get a glossy finish on your art here is a great instructable.

Using a finishing nail, nail the wall art into the desired location. If there are no good lines to hang your wall art from, you can add hanging tabs using Fusion 360. Just extrude a separate circle that is attached to the wall art.

You can also 3D print a frame that goes around the wall art to help contrast the lines to your wall. The possibilities are endless!