Sculpture and 3D Printing
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in 3D Printing for Art and Design course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
3D Modeling #
3D Modeling
* Concept #
The process of creating a three-dimensional representation of an object or idea using specialized software.
* Explanation #
3D modeling is the first step in creating a 3D print. It involves designing the object using specialized software, which can be as simple as a sketch or as complex as a detailed character or architectural model. 3D modeling software allows artists and designers to create, modify, and visualize their ideas in a 3D space before printing them.
3D Printing #
3D Printing
* Concept #
The process of creating a physical object from a digital 3D model using additive manufacturing technology.
* Explanation #
3D printing transforms a digital 3D model into a solid object by adding material layer by layer. This process allows for the creation of complex geometries and structures that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through traditional manufacturing methods.
Additive Manufacturing #
Additive Manufacturing
* Concept #
A process of creating a three-dimensional object by adding material layer by layer based on a digital 3D model.
* Explanation #
Additive manufacturing is a broad term that encompasses various technologies used to create 3D objects by adding material layer by layer. 3D printing is one of the most common forms of additive manufacturing used in art and design.
Bridge Curve #
Bridge Curve
* Concept #
A curved line connecting two points in 3D modeling software.
* Explanation #
A bridge curve is a curved line used to connect two points or edges in 3D modeling software. It can be used to create smooth transitions between different parts of a model or to add detail to an object.
CAD (Computer #
Aided Design)
* Concept #
The use of computer software to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design.
* Explanation #
CAD software is used to create 2D and 3D designs, which can be modified, analyzed, and optimized for manufacturing or other purposes. CAD is often used in conjunction with 3D printing to create physical prototypes or final products.
CAM (Computer #
Aided Manufacturing)
* Concept #
The use of computer software to control machine tools in manufacturing processes.
* Explanation #
CAM software is used to control machine tools, such as CNC mills or 3D printers, in manufacturing processes. CAM software can be used to create toolpaths, optimize machine movements, and reduce manufacturing time and cost.
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) #
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
* Concept #
A 3D printing technology that uses melted plastic to create objects layer by layer.
* Explanation #
FDM is a 3D printing technology that uses melted plastic to create objects layer by layer. The plastic is extruded through a heated nozzle, which melts the plastic and deposits it onto a build platform. FDM is a popular 3D printing technology due to its ease of use, low cost, and wide range of materials available.
Loft #
Loft
* Concept #
A 3D modeling technique used to create a smooth transition between two or more profiles.
* Explanation #
Lofting is a 3D modeling technique used to create a smooth transition between two or more profiles. The profiles are defined by curves or surfaces, and the loft creates a smooth surface that connects them. Lofting can be used to create complex geometries or to add detail to an object.
Mesh #
Mesh
* Concept #
A collection of vertices, edges, and faces that define the surface of a 3D model.
* Explanation #
A mesh is a collection of vertices, edges, and faces that define the surface of a 3D model. The vertices are connected by edges, and the faces are defined by the connection of three or more vertices. Meshes can be created manually or generated from a scan or other data source.
NURBS (Non #
Uniform Rational B-Spline)
* Concept #
A mathematical model used to define curves and surfaces in 3D modeling software.
* Explanation #
NURBS is a mathematical model used to define curves and surfaces in 3D modeling software. It is a flexible and powerful modeling technique that allows for the creation of smooth and complex geometries. NURBS curves and surfaces are defined by control points and mathematical equations, which allow for precise control over the shape and size of the object.
Polygon #
Polygon
* Concept #
A 3D geometric shape with flat faces, straight edges, and sharp corners.
* Explanation #
A polygon is a 3D geometric shape with flat faces, straight edges, and sharp corners. Polygons are used in 3D modeling to define the surface of an object. A mesh is a collection of polygons, vertices, and edges that define the shape and surface of a 3D model.
Rapid Prototyping #
Rapid Prototyping
* Concept #
The use of 3D printing or other additive manufacturing technologies to create physical prototypes quickly and cost-effectively.
* Explanation #
Rapid prototyping is the use of 3D printing or other additive manufacturing technologies to create physical prototypes quickly and cost-effectively. Rapid prototyping allows designers and engineers to test and refine their designs before moving to production, reducing time and cost.
Resin #
Resin
* Concept #
A liquid photopolymer used in some 3D printing processes.
* Explanation #
Resin is a liquid photopolymer used in some 3D printing processes, such as SLA (Stereolithography) and DLP (Digital Light Processing). The resin is cured layer by layer using a laser or projector, creating a solid object. Resin 3D printing is known for its high resolution and detail, making it ideal for creating detailed models or prototypes.
SLA (Stereolithography) #
SLA (Stereolithography)
* Concept #
A 3D printing technology that uses a laser to cure liquid resin layer by layer.
* Explanation #
SLA is a 3D printing technology that uses a laser to cure liquid resin layer by layer. The resin is deposited onto a build platform, and the laser traces the shape of the object, curing the resin and creating a solid layer. SLA is known for its high resolution and detail, making it ideal for creating detailed models or prototypes.
Sweep #
Sweep
* Concept #
A 3D modeling technique used to create a solid object by moving a profile along a path.
* Explanation #
Sweeping is a 3D modeling technique used to create a solid object by moving a profile along a path. The profile is defined by curves or