3D Print workshop

Today I had the privilege of learning about 3D printing. It was a cool time spanning almost the entire day, and I am quite looking forward to the follow up workshops.

Some really basic 3d modelling software was introduced in the morning, a browser based application called Tinkercad (which can be played with by viewers like you). It was incredibly simple, but easy to use and good to get the point across. That was then translated into files readable by printers, and we learned about designing printable structure and support materials and applications of 3d printers.

In the afternoon, we each made a little model to be printed. Since I was dissatisfied with Tinkercad, I opted to design my model in Maya, which was a silly decision and I knew it. Despite what I might tell myself, I am Not Very Good At Maya At All, and what was worse was trying to export it to an appropriate file type.

reach for the stars, little ghost man

While I made a little dude that I wanted to print, I ran into some dumb export problems, since Maya doesnt natively export to .stl files, which are the ones taken by the printers. Once I figure it out, the 3d print dude Diego will print off the wee ghost man.

Otherwise, things have been shaping up just fine. I've got lots of smaller projects and things to be doing, and some competitions to enter. My research proposal is written, and I can now properly start outlining some research materials and project drafts. And for some reason I decided to be very ambitious for my screen-printing project and have been crosshatching for DAYS>>>

more crosshatching than I can even HANDLE

I'm not going to move into the dorm until at least October **23rd** now, which was hardly unexpected. I've sort of just accepted the fact that I will forever be living in a Travelodge, cursed to a nomadic, asocial life of exploration and take out.

There are worse fates to be had, surely.

Tomorrow is laundry day, and with any luck a cool adventure to the National Galleries. 

Stay tuned.