3D Design and Printing Project: Classroom Signage

Hello Students,

For your new project you are tasked with designing, modeling, 3D printing and installing signage for our classroom. This project will prepare you for our next exercise by reinforcing your 3D modeling and printing skills. 3D printed signage is becoming a niche market for new and emerging industries and start  ups that are always growing and shifting in focus. 3D printing is now becoming a platform to meet branding needs. Your goal is to brand our classroom with highly visible and informative signage that can be 3D printed.

3D SIGNAGE DESIGN PROJECT:

The signage subjects will be assigned individually. Follow the project workflow below, meet all project stages and successfully install your signage.

Design Phase:

Explore your design concept, create 3 pencil or digital renderings. Explore different fonts, shapes, elements. Address the issue of your single color signage maintaining readability while being informative and whimsical. Keep your concept art for your portfolio.

Review your design with your fellow students and instructor, gain feedback and refine as needed or create notation.

3D Modeling Phase:

You will now turn your concept into 3D.When modeling objects it is useful to gather reference photos. Additionally, many shapes can be traced in 2 dimensions from reference images and then extruded or revolved. This can save time and create shapes with more stability. Typography can be created and extruded using Bevel Plus, adjust settings for rounder or sharper bevels.

Consider the properties of the materials involved. Think about the amount of contact the sign will have. People will be curious and want to touch the sign. Make sure the design is robust and can stand up to use and the occasional bump or scrape.

Model your design and strive for readability, structural integrity and make it informative and entertaining.

3D Printing Phase:

In this final phase you will need to convert your model for printing. Using Mesh/Combine can help prep a file for processing. You will need to export a compatible format such as .stp or .obj to the 3D printer software. There you will prepare a model by creating a solid and slicing it, adding supports, and saving a file that can be read by the 3D printer.

Create a 3D print in the color of your choice with the aid of your instructor the first time. The print will need to be cleaned up with hand tools and small files. Mount your signage and take a photo for your portfolio.

Deliverables:

• Post your final 3D sign, rendered from multiple angles in high quality to your blog
• A 3D printed sign mounted in location with photographs taken for reference and use in portfolio

Have fun!