Transparencies

In this project two materials have been used and tested: a delta-3D-printer and a substance that is very similar to silicone. Unexpectedly its glass-like appearance is combined with a soft feel. The light blue dye reminds the viewer of water and has a similar “magnetic effect” like liquids naturally have. Sunlight intensifies the transparency as well as the brilliance and the watery shadow of the printed objects.

photos: Uli Kaufmann, Martin Heiden

Step 1: Preparation of Data

Materials:

Delta 3D printer (http://www.keep-art.co.uk/Self_build.html)
crystal clear “silicone” (or a different material with a paste-like consistency)
compressed air

Software:

3D modeling software
Repetier Host
Arduino

1. The data must be prepared via a 3D modeling software such as Rhino. Undercuts should be avoided as well as strong slants. Vertical walls are most easy to build. The elements should not be bigger than the size of the base of the 3D printer.

2. After an element has been built and exported from the 3D modeling software as an .stl-file, it has to be sliced before it can be printed. Therefore Repetier Host is needed.

3. The sliced object should be saved on a SD-card or the computer should be connected with the computer of the 3D printer directly.

Step 2: Preparation of Delta 3D Printer

1. The 3D printer I used is a Delta 3D printer; Jonathan Keep explains how to build it up here:
http://www.keep-art.co.uk/Self_build.htm

2. By using compressed air, the material will be extruded through the syringe. The pressure of air, the speed of motion of the arms of the 3D printer and the thickness of layers have to be adapted so that a fluent and continuous print develops.

Step 3: Trial and Error

Step 4: Results