Project Description:
For my final project I want to expand on the butterfly I created for Large assignment 4. I want to write the G-Code for the butterfly with more detailed wings by printing midair filament. I will use a L-system algorithm to create branching in the wings to make them more similar to a true butterflies wings.
Timeline:
Week of November 11: Basic Grasp of T-system algorithm and how to use it to create branches. Design a basic butterfly wing with this branching.
Week of November 18: Edit algorithm to create a design with less straight edges and more similar to a real butterfly’s wing vein pattern.
Week of November 25: Test the printing process to see how well it prints filament midair.
Week of December 2: Final printing of butterfly.
Related works:
These works show a mixture of butterfly wing designs and modified L-system algorithms to create plant branching. I am going to use this branching technique to create the veining of the butterfly wings.
Hey Patrick! I loved getting to see and interact with your butterfly as you presented the last project! Do you think you will make a series of butterflies or are you just trying to make a singular print? I think it would be interesting to see if you can make an object that flies well as a bonus; perhaps a modified butterfly that has properties similar to that of a paper airplane. I think that looking at the wings of real butterflies would probably be your best help for this project as it seems that is the direction you would like to go in. I’m very excited to see how this all turns out for you!
I was thinking about making the butterfly fly aswell but it seems way more difficult than I originally thought. If the process ends up going faster than expected I may still try to make it fly.
Patty,
Man I am stoked you are pursuing this. That butterfly left everyone’s jaw on the floor. We couldn’t believe you got your printer to do that. I am excited to see what you come up with. Have you thought of maybe using different types of filament (carbon fiber, wood, etc.)? Maybe even altering the nozzle size? A faster thicker drying filament could maybe help with overall structure. Anyways, I am really excited to see what you are going to create, sure it’s going to blow everyone away just like the first time. I do have an extra roll of carbon fiber filament if you want to try it before buying, just let me know.
Justin