So far with my project, I’m still working on the 3D modeling portion of the project. However, using original 3D model from the Layers Project, I sent out a test print last night that is in the 3D printer queue I rotated it on a 90 degree angle to lie on it’s back and provided support that way. I chose to do it on the Taz 6 because it would take less time and since the printer was made for larger style prints.

Thank you all for the feedback on the project by the way! I decided to scrap the idea of pose-ability in favor of adding a more dynamic pose to it. I reconsidered my options and realized it would be time consuming to create all of the pose-pieces. While a good idea, it’s probably best done with more direct access to a 3D printer. I’m still keeping the paper wings and plan to create the slots for the paper using TinkerCAD as one of my last steps. Because of the solid statue look, I plan to make the pieces of paper more solid, giving me a bit more space to design on the paper as well. I hope for the piece to be white with painted in details. As from a suggestion as well, I plan to paint the numbers on the dice in afterwards. I’m planning on having just one central dice on the chest now, but I’m more enjoying the direction the piece is going now. I plan to somehow either paint or pseudo paint dip the claws and end of the appendages in pink or blue.

(UPDATE AS OF 05/15/2021)

I forgot to update when I did this, but I was able to add a custom armature to the dragon and create constraints that allowed me to work with the system easier, such as using inverse kinematic constraints on some of the bones. This allowed me to create a final pose for the dragon and prepared it for print.

I sent the model to the Ultimakers on campus and used the built in supports. I had to be very careful while taking the pieces off due to the fragile wings, and eventually sanded down some rougher areas.

In the end, I applied a layer of gesso as a base on top for the final paint. I used a gray base color with alternations between pink and blue for the different parts of the dragon’s body.