Back in April I had some time to kill during a long freelance project where I was spending a ton of time in Illustrator. Inspired by some vintage car dealer badges I’d seen, I designed one of my own as a flat file in Illustrator, and started looking in to how to build it out as a file that could be read by a 3D printer. While I can’t make complex shapes with this software, I was able to get it 95% of the way there.
Our local library finally reopened this summer but they haven’t re-started their 3D printing service. The only two branches to offer it are a 20 minute drive away north of the city. It’s now set up as a self-serve option, so you have to get certified to use the printer. I set up an appointment to do this on a day Finn was off from school, and the three of us drove up there this morning.
We sat through the quick tutorial, took a test, and were certified within about 20 minutes. While the librarian showed us the system, she asked if we had anything we wanted to print, and I broke out my file. She used that to set things up and we watched it start printing as we finished our course.
At first, it looked really stringy and weird like somebody was laying out thin strands of bubblegum on a flat plate, but as it started stacking up layers, the letterforms solidified to the point where when it finished, it was almost as clear as the file I built. Overall, it took about 40 minutes to print and while that was happening, I took care of work related stuff while the girls read. I’m really very pleased with the outcome here. This looks very close to what I had in my head when I designed it and I think there are only a few tweaks I would make to this piece before printing two more out: one for the Scout and one for Darth.
William J. Miller says:
Hi Bill, I have to admit to living my life vicariously through your posts. I’m a disabled vet with 33 years active duty with no reservation in admitting to being envious of your skillset and obvious talent. If I’m up to it when my 68 Travelette gets home from the Binder Boneyard I plan to follow your projects in an attempt to replicate your accomplishments. You never fail to impress, thank you!!! You provide the motivation, (if health permits) I’ll provide the elbow grease. My wife’s favorite response when attacking a project is that it will be done “slowly but slowly”…that, I can relate to.
Bill says:
Hi William,
Thanks for the encouragement! Let me know if you have questions when you get your truck back and I’ll be happy to pass along the stuff I’ve learned. And I completely understand slowly but slowly….!