Daniel’s Skill Log 2: Finishing 3D print

What I learned:

The thing I learned in this skill logging assignment was that sanding takes forever and filler chemicals should be used in well-ventilated areas. In all seriousness, caution should be taken for chemical use indoors and the cleanliness of harmful dust. For this assignment, I learned how to take a 3D printed part and transform it into a finished product. In most cases, FDM printers create parts that have ridges or artifacts. These imperfections or patterns in the surface are a result of the production process and for finished products, must be removed. Youtube, as always, was my source of information.

Reference:

Artifacts of what I learned :

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  Surface bumps and ridges. Artifacts creating a step line and bumps.

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  Parts where the layer ends creates a line that runs up the part. Excessive overhang results in warped and uneven bottom.

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  Glazing puddy used in automotive projects was used as filler

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  Pots set out to dry. Chemicals offgassing so windows must be opened.

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  Result of sanding the filler. The line running up the pot is minimal and only surface scratches are seen.

The Thing I made:

To remove imperfections in the surface and prep the model to be painted, they can be covered by a layer of epoxy or filler. For my case, I sanded, and used filler, primer, and paint to bring the surface to a glossy finish. I learned that going against the layer lines was most efficient in “erasing” them as the abrasive particles only knock down the high parts in that motion. Additionally going too fast may produce painful burns. This is considered a maker space skill as it was mostly hands-on with little to no technology.

Artifacts of what I made :

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  The printed pot now painted with gloss white. The surface is shiny and reflects the paper.

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  The rectangular pot is also painted. Reflected light can be seen.

Connecting Back to Class:

This connects to the class as it is incorporating technology into art. This skill or skills similar to it are used quite often in prototyping and creating parts to be molded for small-scale production. Similar to small-scale productions, our art project is a specialty product where a limited number of pieces are needed. In addition, it helps facilitate the use of technology (3D printing) as it allows printed parts to look final/finished. This will be used in the project to finish a 3D printed pot in the case that a ceramic one is not available. A printed pot would allow for a wider range of customization compared to the limitations of ceramics.