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Introduction
Introduction
Maybe you want to make a replica of a famous, controversial monument for a class project on rhetorics and design. Maybe you want to create a model of a hand to showcase what areas of the hand are most likely to be missed during handwashing. Maybe you need to make an architectural model. Maybe you just want to make presents for your friend's birthday! All of these projects call for crafting some kind of sculpture or object.
Three Techniques
Three Techniques
There are many, many ways that you can make sculptures! The three sections below will walk you through three different ways of approaching creating objects. This is not prescriptive! Consider how you can mix and match techniques to create what you want to.
Technique I: 3D-Printed Replica
Technique I: 3D-Printed Replica
3D printing creates a small, plastic object in a relatively short amount of time. You don't need to know how to 3D model to create a 3D printed object. You can find 3D models online, adjust them easily, and then print in the Clemson Makerspace (for free!). 3D printing is known as additive manufacturing, because it builds up material layer by layer.
3D printed model of a building
Technique II: Laser-cut Architectural Model
Technique II: Laser-cut Architectural Model
Laser cutting and engraving uses a laser beam to cut or engrave wood, plastic, and other materials. Think of it as super precise, intense burning.
Laser cutting is subtractive manufacturing, meaning it cuts away material (as opposed to additive manufacturing, like 3D printing). For that reason, if you want three-dimensional objects using the laser cutter, you'll need to construct them using flat planes. For example, topographic maps can be created by cutting individual layers and then gluing together. Similarly, you can create architectural models by cutting each side and then gluing them together.
You can also laser engrave photos, text, or other designs onto wood, plastic, or other materials.
Laser-cut topographical map
Laser-cut architectural model
Technique III: Polymer Clay (and Other Craft Supplies)
Technique III: Polymer Clay (and Other Craft Supplies)
Not every project has to be super high-tech: don't forget that you can make models by hand using craft supplies. Polymer clay, including brands like Sculpey, are affordable and easy to use. You might even use a combination of high and low tech supplies to make your project: what about a model of a meditation room that you want to build, with a shoebox as the base for the room, decorated with a mixture of 3D-printed objects and clay objects?
Volcano made out of Sculpey
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