Mini Face Sculpture
Intro: 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
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
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.
Did you find this useful, fun, or entertaining?
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25 Comments
mchau2 8 years ago
Again, i envy the printer!! i wanna be more productive like you man... super nice and simple idea!!
Kr. Saurav 11 years ago
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
gtoal 11 years ago
randofo 11 years ago
gtoal 11 years ago
Samuel Bernier 11 years ago
kerikins 11 years ago
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.
randofo 11 years ago
duxallinarow 11 years ago
kerikins 11 years ago
Eh Lie Us! 11 years ago
Nelyan 11 years ago
Lindie 11 years ago
SkUG 11 years ago
Kdemon 11 years ago
cartola 11 years ago
lllshreelll 11 years ago
(Joking will be this - I know how to make an exact replica of my face on an aluminium foil within few seconds)
angelabchua 11 years ago
a4great 11 years ago
Pfarmkid 11 years ago