15-394 Assignment 4: Statue on a Pedestal
I. Introduction
In this assignment you will scan an object by taking multiple pictures
with your phone, use Autodesk ReMake to convert those images into a 3D
model, construct a pedestal in SolidWorks, place your model on the
pedestal using MeshMixer, and 3D print the result.
II. Scanning
- Since we don't have a 3D scanner, we will make do by taking
successive pictures using a smartphone. Make sure that the object is
well lit; try to minimize any shadows. When photographing the object,
do not move it. Only move the camera. Be sure to get all sides, plus
the top. For good results you should collect at least 20 images.
- Move the images from your phone to a new folder on the hard drive
of a laptop on which ReMake has been installed.
- In ReMake, in the Dashboard tab, click on the "Create 3D /
Photos" icon and select "Online" (cloud).
- When it asks where to select photos from, choose "Local Drive",
navigate to the folder with the photos, and select all of them.
ReMake will then upload these photos to Autodesk's cloud and queue
them for processing, which will take a few minutes.
- When processing is complete, download the model, which will be a
.rcm file. You can put it in the same folder as your images.
- In ReMake's Editor tab, click on the Export icon and export the
file in "MeshMixer - OBJ" format with quality High. You can put the
results in the same folder as the images. The program will place
three files in the folder.
III. Mesh Cleanup and Editing
Open the .obj file in MeshMixer.
Use MeshMixer's editing tools to clean up the model.
- Edit > Transform can be used to translate, rotate, and scale the model.
- Edit > Plane Cut can be used to cut away unwanted pieces.
- Sculpt > Brushes can be used to deform the model in various ways.
- The Export button can be used to write out the model as an STL file.
IV. Construct a Pedestal in SolidWorks
This image search will
show you some nice looking pedestals.
Construct a pedestal in SolidWorks suitable for displaying your object. It
should have some graceful curves, nice fluting, etc. Be creative.
Export the pedestal part as an STL file.
V. Mount Your Object on the Pedestal
In MeshMixer you can import the STL file of the pedestal and place your model
on top of it.
You might need to add some material to connect the model to the
pedestal if you want to prop it up at a certain angle. You can
do this using the some of the Edit > Sculpt brushes.
Export your model as an ASCII STL file. The Zortrax client doesn't
appear to like binary STL files from MeshMixer.
V. Prepare Your Object for 3D Printing
- Run the Zortrax Z-Suite client program and create a new project
for the M200.
- Click on the "+" sign to import your STL file, and translate, rotate,
and scale it as necessary. Don't make the object too large or it will take
too long to print.
- Click on the Print button to slice your model and generate the tool paths
to 3D print it.
- You can speed up print time by selecting lower resolution, less
infill, and a thicker layer size.
- Click on the "Save to Print" button and save the .zcode file to
your hard drive.
VI. 3D Print Your Object
Borrow an SD card from the IDeATe lending booth, and copy your .zcode
file onto the card.
Put your card in the Zortrax printer and have it print your file.
Post a picture of your piece on Piazza.
Hand-In
Hand in a zip file handin.zip containing the following:
- Screenshots of your MeshMixer model (a couple of different
views). Don't try to hand in the actual model files; they're too big.
- Your SolidWorks model of just the pedestal, and a screeshot of
the combined model+pedestal in SolidWorks.
- The photo of your 3D printed object that you posted to Piazza.
Due date: check the class schedule or Autolab.
Grading (10 pts)
|