Large Assignment 2: Alan Paz

Code

Design Process

In my design process, I started with a simple print, working with just 3 curves, and gradually added more. For the last 3 models, I used 6 curves and experimented with different line types, such as InterpCurves, Curves, and Polyline. Before each print, I leveled the bed to ensure nothing was out of place, although I initially struggled to get the PLA filament to stick. Eventually, I was able to get it leveled correctly. For my first parametric print, I used tree support, and things were going well at the beginning, however as the body thinned, the model fell apart and this model was estimated to take around 10 hours. For the next models, I avoided giving them a thin neck and tried different points and curves.

Vase 1

For my first successful vase, I used the code provided during class and experimented with the z-axis, points, and the radius of each curve. This vase really caught my attention. I liked how the transition at the top had spikes, while the rest of the design twisted and looked smooth. The vase took about 10 hours to print, and I was able to monitor most of the process from home to ensure it printed correctly. I was amazed at how sturdy the vase turned out and the detail of each edge.

Vase 2

In my second vase, I initially planned to create a lotus-like model, with wide spikes and a small semi-circle. However, I realized it didn’t meet the minimum size requirements for a vase, so I increased the height of the two top curves and tried to form a sphere. I then made the spikes thinner and rotated them. As these transformations took place, the design started to remind me of a hot air balloon with a propeller. I was pretty satisfied with this model and printed it out, and to my surprise, it only took about four and a half hours. There are a few small areas where the PLA didn’t stick, leaving tiny holes, but overall, the quality was really nice.

Vase 3

For my third vase, I wanted to change things up and explore different transformations. Initially, I considered tilting the curve along the x or y axis, but I couldn’t figure it out, and time was running out. Instead, I decided to translate the curve along the x and y axes. I was really happy with how this model turned out. I thought it would need supports, but I didn’t see any errors in Cura and hoped it would print well and it did. The print took about 8 hours. I hope to revisit this design and modify it by tilting the curves.

Vase 4

For my final vase, I kept changing my design because I wanted it to be unique and meet the radial function requirement. I considered creating an Archimedean spiral, but I couldn’t get the curves to loft together. I also tried making clover-like curves, but I wasn’t satisfied with the result. In the end, I chose to design a heart shape. Initially, I struggled to loft the curves again, for some reason the lofting function wouldn’t work. On a spontaneous idea, I switched my curves from InterpCurve to Polyline, and to my surprise, the lofting worked automatically. I was so satisfied that I went straight to printing. The print took about 11 hours, and I think the wait was worth it. I’m really happy with how it turned out.

Reflection

The process of creating 3D objects through programming allowed great organization and gave me a clear understanding of how each function works and how I can expand them. It also made visualization faster and efficient, without the need to draft designs on separate media. The difference between making process and traditional design might be in the story behind the design, while the digital process is driven by machines, numbers, and code, which is fascinating, traditional design may carry more sentiment and value. One advantage of making process is being able to create a general equation and use it to generate various shapes and sizes. A disadvantage of programming based design is the limitation on how abstract or freeform one can be without needing to write a significant amount of code.