Layers Project

For my layers project, I decided to create a design that combined my younger self and current self to signify and represent how I’ve changed over time. In this project I used 1/8″ acrylic of various colors, cut using the lasercutter, and handrew this design in inkscape. I experienced my biggest setbacks with creating the design itself and deciding how I wanted to overlay the faces as well as which areas I wanted to layer as new pieces. What I learned from this process was that I just need to execute and prototype my design physically which will help guide my decisions.

Below I’ve included photos of my design process

Altered Toys Project

For my altered toys project, I decided to build my own 3D printed beyblade! I have a lot of nostalgic memories playing beyblade with my older brothers, battling it out in a plastic coliseum. I was really excited to relive a piece of my childhood, when I was younger I was always curious about all the different intricate pieces and layers that went into a beyblade.

I printed these pieces in PETG to allow for more tolerance and with 20% infill so they would have more weight. Originally when I printed using PLA, I experienced several issues with pieces not quite fitting together. If given more time and access to paint, I would love to paint these beyblade designs and give them bright colors as they have in the official ones.

I was really excited to see that the beyblade actually works and spins! I can’t wait to print another launcher to actually battle with my friends.

Lantern Project

For my lantern project, I decided to create a star lantern with interchangeable design plates. I first created the design for the box and sliders in Solidworks, then drew on the designs in Inkscape, lastly I cut it out of 1/4″ plywood using the lasercutter.

I had to go through several different iterations to achieve the right tolerances as the different sides have to interlock, be flush with the bottom plate, and correspond with the sliders. One difficulty I experienced was due to the differences in the different lasercutters which would burn off too much materials or only partially cut through which I then had to do several iterations of cuts. The following are pictures of my design process.

Overall, I’m really satisfied with how my projects turned out and I learned so much along the way with lasercutting techniques, digital drawing, and how to compose 3D art. I had a lot of fun and can’t wait to continue making more art! Lastly, special thank yous to collablab, Sam for letting me use her colored acrylic, and Sydney for letting me borrow the UV resin!