Halloween Monster & Ghost Set

Ideation

For my final project, I was interested in fabricating a Halloween figurine set. While I had immediate inspiration for the different kinds of variations I wanted to create, sketching simple representations out, I was unsure as to how I should design the bodies. Looking for a starting point, I Googled figures that aligned with my vision to begin developing ideas for this aspect of my design. However, as I started to play around in Fusion after having received some guidance about the ideal tools to use for this kind of design, I realized that the complexity of operations such as lofting with rails and joining bodies would present a challenge when applied to five figures in a short time frame. Because of this, I started to brainstorm other ideas that would successfully execute my vision and be realistic to complete well by the due date. This is where I came up with simplifying my design to purely monsters and ghosts, providing variety in their shapes and faces. Moreover, I developed the idea to form organic bodies that would lie flat on the bottom surface, eliminating my concern of small feet being unable to support a standing position. From here, I proceeded to create detailed 2D sketches that would allow for clarity in my digital design step.

Digital Design

For my digital design process, I started with creating sketches of the main bodies, resembling those of my hand-drawn sketches. I then created vertical lines down the middle of the sketches and employed the revolve tool for my selected face. From here I created additional sketches on the organic shapes for the face and body details and then implemented the emboss tool for these additions to protrude slightly outwards.

Fabrication

My fabrication process was straightforward as I followed the 3D printing instructions closely for each individual model. First I saved the STL file to my computer and uploaded it to 3DPrinterOS. I then made sure the figure was standing upright, sliced it, and selected the organic support option. After this, I verified the tool path, watching the animation preview of the printing process and assuring that the object would fit well in the build plate. From here, I sent the print to the Makerspace printers system, selected the machine with the desired filament color depending on the design and sent it to the queue. I then waited to be notified that my designs were printed and went to the Makerspace to add final touches.

Finishing

Once I picked up my 3D figures, I removed any supports and unwanted excess material. However some of my pieces did not print perfectly, creating a rough bottom surface. While this detail would go unnoticed unless picked up, I wanted to rectify it as much as possible through sanding, until a smoother texture was achieved. Furthermore, I wanted to add additional detail to my design through coloring the face and body elements. To my surprise, the Makerspace did not have paint for use as I had intended. However, they did have paint pens. Even though my options were more limited than I had imaged, I chose colors I thought would compliment the pieces well. While using pens provided the advantage of precision, this benefit was overriden by the spillage lines caused by the thin material and lined printing texture. To minimize the effects of this issue, I wet a q-tip and attempted to clean up any messy areas.

Outcome

Overall, I am satisfied with my final products. An aspect I would have liked to improve are the small details which were not printed as precisely as I desired despite the implementation of supports. Additionally, I would have preferred to have had access to paint as opposed to paint pens for more creative freedom with colors and precision in the outcome.