Introduction: Mini Face Sculpture
Inspired by the Foil Bust of designer Dominic Wilcox, I set out to create an aluminum replica of my face. To change things up a little, I decided to do it at 1/4 and 1/8 scale. This required use of all kinds of state of the art technology... and aluminum foil. Don't be daunted by the seeming complexity of the process, it is actually quite easy. I accomplished this without having to exert too much physical or mental effort. Ultimately, this was a fun and quick project, and I am looking forward to making some really unexpected aluminum foil balls.
Step 1: Go Get Stuff
You will need:
(x1) Aluminum foil
(x1) 123D Catch (obsolete, but you could try subscribing to ReCap)
(x1) DSLR camera
(x1) 3D modeling software (I used 3DS, but you can get a free trial with Fusion 360)
(x1) Very expensive high-resolution Objet 3D printer (Or a Shapeways account)
(Note that some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This does not change the cost of the item for you. I reinvest whatever proceeds I receive into making new projects. If you would like any suggestions for alternative suppliers, please let me know.)
Step 2: Catch Yourself
Sit very still and have someone take pictures all around your head, and then submit them to the 123D Catch online app.
In some hours you should receive back a 3D model.
Clean up the model as necessary (i.e. remove any weird spiky bits).
Step 3: Boolean Subtract
Open up your 3D editing software.
Import your face STL from 123D Catch and close the mesh to make it a solid object by closing the mesh.
Create a new cube and then subtract your face from it using a boolean subtract operation.
This should leave you with a cube with the inverse of your face.
This will be the inverse face mold that you will 3D print.
Step 4: Fix the STL
Before you can print your file, you need to make the STL water tight (i.e. remove the error points).
I used NetFabb to repair all of the errors in the STL. This program can be used for free and is quite good at repairing STLs. However, any program capable of repairing errors in STLs will do.
Step 5: Print
Print your STL file on your fancy Objet 3D printer (or similar).
If you don't happen to have a fancy 3D printer, get someone else to do it for you.
Step 6: Make the Cast
Take some aluminum foil or other shape-keeping materials and press it into the mold starting from the lowest point (i.e. the tip of the nose). Continue pressing it in and smoothing it out until you fill the whole mold.
When you are done, pull the two apart and you now have a mini replica of your face.
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25 Comments
7 years ago
Again, i envy the printer!! i wanna be more productive like you man... super nice and simple idea!!
10 years ago on Introduction
clay or p.o.p. would also be an ideal shape-keeping material.
you could take another 3d print of the back of your head, apply the same processes and make the 3d replica with clay or pop. join both and voila!, you get your whole face in 3d in miniature
10 years ago on Introduction
You don't by any chance have a "Freebirds" burrito restaurant nearby do you? :-)
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Can't say that I do.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
They serve their burritos wrapped in tinfoil and encourage patrons to create tinfoil sculptures with the wrapper when finished, which they put on display on shelves around the room. Your mould would be ideal for making an impressive piece!
10 years ago on Introduction
aweeesooooommmmmeeeee
10 years ago on Step 6
Ahhh yes...this is like watching a Martha Stewart video.
Just start with Norwegian truffles...add Belgian spring water...combine with Chilean goats milk ..take out 35 ramekins and fill them half full...then of course make a 3-d image in to your, ' fancy Objet 3D printer (or similar).'
Soooooooooo simple! It's a Good thing.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
You don't need to buy a printer. You can make a 3D model and buy a print online. That's probably in the $10 - $30 range. You can also currently enter a project into the Make it Real challenge, and if it gets featured, Instructables will 3D print you a model for free (using said printer). These printers are not inaccessible, and you do not need to spend $50,000 to get a print made.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
[snert!] Your comment made my day. I LOL'd out loud. ;) Dux
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Tee-hee...Glad you saw 'in' to my jesting...not hurtful just funny...
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
@kerikins . For me, you got it right on. You know, maybe if the title of the instructable mentioned someone on 3D printing..?
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
I wish I could +1 your comment :D
10 years ago on Introduction
Like!
10 years ago on Introduction
custom easter eggs? i like this idea
10 years ago on Introduction
Now all you need to do is fill it with chocolate!
10 years ago on Introduction
You could try liquid silicon to make the final face!
10 years ago on Introduction
You could seriously stick that on a dark black frame and make art! I am not even joking.
(Joking will be this - I know how to make an exact replica of my face on an aluminium foil within few seconds)
10 years ago on Introduction
i hope you didnt recycle your face. I'd like to add your face to my collection of stuff in my office.
10 years ago on Introduction
you could make a Han-solo style Carbonite effect here...
10 years ago on Introduction
why not just make a 3-d print of your face