For My Layers Project I originally was going to just make a wheel, but I decided to go beyond that and make a whole model of a motorcycle. One thing I would like feedback on is if I should make the rear of the frame more realistic? It will pose a few technical challenges but may make for a more realistic looking model.
I updated the design to be more realistic and have rotateable wheels. To do this I incorperated 3D printed shafts and a wheel stand.
I was having issues slicing the model to be perfectly symetrical as it was a function of material thickness and the width of the model at different locations. To remedy this I cut the model in half in solidworks and then imported it into the slicer.
The slicer gave me a dxf file that I opened in autoCAD that I cleaned up and colored, I then created a mirored version of it and nested them all together to be cut out of a 12×12 sheet of acrylic.
I then peeled all of the paper off, sanded the parts to be glued, cleaned them with alcohol and assembled the model. I then finished the assembly with 3D printed parts.
if it wouldn’t be too time consuming you should try to make it more realistic. What is your plan for making it more realistic?
I think i will, I will make the rear of the frame wider to go around the wheel instead of into it.
I think it looks fine like this. I have a feeling if you make it more realistic its going to be a pain to print it. What type of material are you planning on using for the motorcycle?
Yeah that may be the case. I was thinking wood, but I’m also considering acrylic.
I do not see a need to make the model look more realistic, but I also do not know much about motorcycles. I think that if the model at its current point bothers you, you should make it more realistic. Question: Are you going to leave the model as-is once it is cut or are you planning on adding color through painting, coloring, etc… ?
That is good advice.
I’m thinking of using different colors of acrylic, or using wood and painting it.
I would say the rear is probably detailed enough as it is because adding more detail might just result in that detail being lost in the slicing process. My question is what material you’re planning to use?
Makes sense.
I will use either wood or acrylic.
i like that you’ve decided to expand on the idea! personally, i haven’t had much interaction with motorcycles, so i wouldn’t know how much work it takes to make a more realistic one. since you’re slicing 3d pieces – and i imagine making this fairly small – it would probably be more design work than actual cutting work? which, in my opinion, sounds worth it if it makes you happier with the outcome!
Thank you for the insight, I think I will explore adding complexity to the design.
I’m struck by the detail in the model already and think that editing the rear of the frame could be a wise decision if it is making you question the completeness. A mix of materials would be interesting for this model to mimic the complexity of motorcycles and the variety of materials that a real motorcycle has.
Opinion: Utilizing wooden dowels to spin the wheels would be very neat. A kickstand could be useful too if this became a desk toy.
I do not see a need to add more detail to the back, I think it looks great as is. Are you basing the design off a reference image or model? If so, I am curious what that looks like, as it may change my opinion on the detail in the back.
I’m struck by the amount of detail and the sick paint job you did. This is definitely a portfolio worthy piece. The kickstand adds to create a cinematic scene.