Big Head Sculpture: Projection Mapping Art Project
Introduction: Big Head Sculpture: Projection Mapping Art Project
The fusion of 3D physical models and 2D digital images create sculptures and artworks that blend and overlap the digital space and the physical world. Digital designs, renders, models and videos can be brought into the real world through projection. This project showed how real-life objects or people can be scanned into digital models, manipulated through computer programs like Blender and Solidworks and then recreated in the physical world through digital fabrication techniques such as laser cutting and 3D printing but most importantly at any scale. A head that can fit in the palm of your hand or a head that can take up an entire room. When these sculptures are projected back onto, they blend virtual space and reality seamlessly.
This project culminated in the form of a 2.5 metre (8.2 Feet) model of my face and head. This instructable will show the entire process and can be followed as a step by step guide, bearing in mind I have access to some incredible pieces of equipment through my university that would not normally be easily accessible. The final sculpture was built entirely by me and in order to learn its construction and the best method for making it a variety of prototypes and mock-ups were made. 215
This instructable will go in-depth about each mock-up, process and material I used.
I am currently studying my BA in Industrial Design at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. This project and some other very interesting projects are available on the universities Instagram page. https://www.instagram.com/ujindustrialdesign/
Supplies
This project used a surprisingly small amount of tools and equipment to make, although they were varied and some of the equipment is quite specialised. A wide variety of software, some free and some paid for were also used. Links will be provided below. Due to the fact that I live in South Africa, all dimensions are in mm, weights in Kg and the currency used is Rands. As of today (28/03/2022), it is R14.69 to 1$.
Software
1-Pepakura
https://tamasoft.co.jp/pepakura-en/download/index.html
R570.00
2-Pepakura Viewer 4 for Silhouette CAMEO
https://tamasoft.co.jp/pepakura-en/download/viewer_cut/index.html
R220.00
3-Blender
https://www.blender.org/
Free
4-MeshMixer
https://www.meshmixer.com/
Free
5-Cura
https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura
Free
6-Slicer for Fusion 360
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/fusion-360/troubleshooting/caas/downloads/content/slicer-for-fusion-360.html#:~:text=Aug%2013%202020Download,both%20Mac%20OS%20and%20Windows.
Free
7-Photoshop
https://www.adobe.com/africa/products/photoshop.html
R10740 per year
8-RD Works V8
https://rdworks.software.informer.com/8.0/
Free
Machines/tools
1-Laser cutter
https://m.made-in-china.com/product/100W-CO2-Laser-Cutting-Engraving-Machine-Motorize-Table-1000mm-600mm-Water-Chiller-<PHONE_NUMBER>.html
>R30 000
2-Ender 5 3D printer
https://www.creality3dofficial.com/products/creality-ender-5-plus-3d-printer
R8600.00
3-Silhoette CAMEO 4
https://www.takealot.com/silhouette-cameo-4-die-cutting-machine/PLID66380204
R7400
4-Sheet metal Brake
https://www.adendorff.co.za/product/mac-afric-1220-mm-sheet-metal-brake/
R10 000
5-Sheet metal Punch
https://www.adendorff.co.za/product/mac-afric-hp-20-hand-punch-excluding-dies/
R7500.00
6-Sheet metal Shear
https://www.adendorff.co.za/product/mac-afric-steel-cropper-for-round-angle-plate-steel/
R5000. 175