My next step was to start experimenting with mold making. So that’s what I did. First, I watched some youtube tutorials about making molds with rubber/silicone and resin. This one was especially helpful: https://youtu.be/FJOtG60Ddx4 I found out there was something called a brush-on mold which is good for larger 3D objects. I wasn’t able to purchase this kind of modeling rubber without a wait period so I got what was readily available. This is fine because I am experimenting on a smaller scale, but I’m keeping it in the back of my head as a possible method to use on my full-size model. Next, I got the goods: Yes, I know exactly what you’re thinking, and don’t worry. I did update my expenses spreadsheet. What? That wasn’t it? Oh… I guess you’re referring to this: Don’t worry about that either. I broke out some PPE and everything was okay. As you may or may not have seen above, I bought some dyes to mix into the resin for different color options, because I ultimately want my model to be multi-colored and also contain different layers. Here’s a time lapse of me making the molds: (I'll find a way to put it in a better format someday) Oh yeah and I made a YouTube which I have some cool ideas for. But more on that in the next few months.
Overall, this part has been fun. It’s what I expected: lots of experimenting, and also some math. I’ve touched most of the bases for skills involved in the creation of this model, (except the programming which I’m saving for the school year), so my next step is to completely fulfill my summer goal by finalizing a 3D design. Look forward to that next post!
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I've got a solid amount of background knowledge about neurons and neurotransmission in my pocket, and now it’s on to the design process! This is more experimental, a different type of learning so to speak. I’ve attached a few sketches and written ideas to this post, as well as the first clay model I’ve made that is somewhat presentable.
I would be lying if I said 3D modeling was easy. If you look closely at the model photo, (which I don’t necessarily recommend), you may notice lumps, bumps, and maybe a few cracks. This is a sign that I have some improving to do, but also affirms my choice to have the final model out of semi-rigid polyurethane and different silicones. Speaking of which, here is a link to the medical modeling resources page of the supplier I plan to order from: https://polytek.com/industries/medical-modeling-simulation I haven’t been home for most of July which is why I haven’t wanted to order any synthetic materials yet, so experimentation with materials is what I plan to do for most of August. Going into the school year and looking forward, I am very glad to have completed both 6 week online courses and to have a more solid idea of the structure of my model. There are so many different applications and topics I’ve thought of for my model to display, but I know that I will have to narrow this down before school starts. Looking at my ultimate goal for the summer, which is having background knowledge, a finalized design, and materials, I still feel that this goal is accomplishable and I am well on my way to achieving it. Stay tuned for my next post, where I may or may not be an expert in plastic! (very exciting, I know). |