Mushroom Photogrammetry to Cufflinks
Introduction: Mushroom Photogrammetry to Cufflinks
This 3D printing was created for a school project. I chose mushrooms for my subject matter because of their interesting morphology and textures. Even though the structure of a mushroom is the same among all species (cap and stalk), there is a wide variety of identifying characteristics that individualizes each type. For my project, I chose the trumpet, lion, and oyster mushrooms. The trumpet mushroom can be characterized with a strong, thick stalk and bulky cap with visible gills. Meanwhile, the lion mushroom has a furry texture and branching cloud-like growths similar to cauliflower. 644
Finally, the oyster mushroom has a concave cap with pronounced gills and grows stemming from one another. Using the mushroom morphology, I was able to convert it into a 3D model and adopt it as inspiration for unique cufflink design.
This is an instructable for the course I am taking at the California State University, Long Beach, "DESN 551: Materials, Tools, and Techniques of Prototyping" taught by <PERSON>
https://www.instructables.com/member/Behnaz%20Farahi/
Supplies
* Mushrooms
* Lightbox
* Lazy Susan hardware
* Thick Poster Board
* Wooden Dowel
* Nail/Hammer/Pliers
* Poster Putty
* Camera
* Agisoft Metashape Software
* Autodesk Meshmixer
Step 1: Create Lightbox Photogrammetry Rig
* Cut shape from posterboard to cover and stick to lazy susan hardware
* Cut wooden dowel to fit light box (approx. 15 cm)
* Use hammer to fix nail to top of dowel and pliers to clip top of nail
* Use poster putty to stand wooden dowel on posterboard circle/lazy susan
* Fix lazy susan hardwear to light box using poster putty
Step 2: Add Mushroom to Rig
* Fix mushroom to nail on wooden dowel (rig should be able to freely spin without mushroom falling)
* Optional: Use poster putty or glue to hold mushroom down if necessary
Step 3: Set Up Camera Tripod and Start Taking Photos
* Set up camera and angle it to minimize shadows; add extra lighting if necessary
* Take a photo and rotate rig approximately 20-30 degrees
* Repeat until rig has rotated 360 degrees and entire subject matter has been recorded
Step 4: Upload Images to Photogrammetry Software and Build 3D Model
* Upload photos taken with camera to metashape software (Workflow > Add Photos)
* Align photos to create sparse point cloud and set camera positions (Workflow > Align Photos)
* Build dense cloud based on camera positions and pictures; can adjust quality depending on preferences (Workflow > Build Dense Cloud)
* Build mesh to generate surface and 3D polygonal mesh model (Workflow > Build Mesh)
* If desired, create texture (Workflow > Build Texture)
* Export model as .stl file for editing in Meshmixer (File > Export > Export Model)
(Any photogrammetry software can be used. I used Agisoft Metashape because of its ease of use while retaining great quality results)
Step 5: Repair Model and Add Cufflink Tail
* Import .stl file in Meshmixer
* Trim parts that are not desired for cufflinks and remove unnecessary objects (Select > Edit > Discard)
* Use sculpt tool to smooth bumps and textures (Sculpt > Brushes > BubbleSmooth/ShrinkSmooth)
* Add cylinder and adjust to fit model (approx. 20mm) (Meshmix > *select cylinder shape; Edit > Transform)
* Make solid (Edit > Make Solid)
* Duplicate and mirror (Edit > Mirror)
* Export .stl file for 3D printing (File > Export)
Step 6: Upload for 3D Printing
* Upload .stl to FabPilot and configure to desired printer settings and material (I used black PETG)
* Optimize and add lattice interior
* Orient upright and add supports
* Send 3D model to production
My school offers 3D printing through the FabPilot program. If you have your own 3d printer, follow your printer's instructions
Step 7: Wear Cufflinks
Wear these cufflinks to your next formal event! 644