I’m learning that 3D printers read more than .STL files. According to Santiago, my 3D model designer, a different type of file is needed for the Afro Babies.
I continue to be fascinated with the knowledge one must have to proceed to final production in the 3D printing world. Note Santiago’s email below:
“Sketchup is a very good piece of software, although more focused in architecture and non organic modeling.
I do use Wings3D ( wings3d.com ) , completely free software (even more than Sketchup). Is valid for most types of modeling. Although is not very good for really (very) high polygon count meshes.
It is not as easy as Sketchup, but is neither as complex as the also free Blender. Blender is not just a modeler, like these two. Blender is a full, complete general 3D application that allows animating, rendering, texturing, etc. I use it too, but I prefer Wings3D for modeling.
As installing and etc might bring you some problems, and wanted to ensure that you actually see the angles, I have taken the freedom of adding here several angles screenshots.
I have made quite some editing: Improving the hands, doing some joinings in the palms with the sign (as it is now in the air, and anyway needs to be attached to the figure). Improving hair shape and volume (please, don’t worry about not showing the hair bumps (“curls”) yet: I prefer to let that as final step, as it looks better if done once fully subdivided, which is done at the end. It’s easy to do, also.) Other than that… I am now at night here, tomorrow morning I would like to do the texturing (the final step, the more spectacular one). I shortened the sign as you requested, but let me know if want the length to be different. That is extremely easy to change.
Also, I am almost sure that Shapeways technicians will ask for some changes, as it depends on each material, how it melt, walls consistency, etc, that modeling might be needed to be slightly modified in some details. I will do freely any change they would need being made, so that the figure ends cool. 🙂
Also, about the *.stl format that you mention in the contract. Sandstone multicolor material can only work with other formats: VRML97 (vrml 2.0) or X3D. I’ll probably export it in the first one. The reason behind this is because STL does not support textures, thus, it would never be used for the only multi colored material. You will probably wish to change the contract in this aspect, but the contract or payment is my latest concern now. I want to provide you with the figure first.”
Then he sent me the following design updates:
It’s all about the hair right now. I don’t want it as spikey as it is, but not as smooth or bumby as the other designs. I am looking for something more in between. I will communicate with Santiago that I need the spikes filled in just so small peaks extend from the Afro. Ah, the challenges of working with a designer in another country. The joys and challenges of cross country outsourcing.
