Process

As with all visual projects, this project began with preliminary sketches of the design for the puppet. I went through multiple iterations of possible designs before deciding on this one, which I then cleaned up digitally to prepare for modeling.

To model the puppet, I decided to use Maya, as it would provide the most familiar launching point to sculpt the model. However, I wanted the joints to be of consistent and precise size, so after modeling the different pieces, I imported the models into TinkerCad to add on the joints.

I also wanted a chance to test out the designs of the joints, just to ensure that they would actually work and be viable for this project, otherwise it would all be impossible to put together, and largely pointless. To do this, I printed out the test pieces as shown on the far right, and ensured that they all functioned before I proceeded to print the rest of the model.

These pieces all worked, so I proceeded to fit the model with the appropriate joints, and split it into several groups to slice and print.

In all honesty, I did not really put the size of the print bed into perspective when I was slicing the model, so when I recieved the pieces back I was a little shocked at the size they came out to be. I cannot say I am not happy with the result, but it just came out a lot larger than I thought it was going to. Nonetheless, after I had all of the pieces printed, it was time to construct the puppet

I started by laying out all of the pieces, and then went to the hardware store and picked up the appropriately sized screws and nuts that fit all of them together. I then began the exciting process of putting together the puppet.  I was very worried that this is where I would run into issues, whether it be pieces not fitting together, or being unable to take the stress of mechanical tension, but they all held up and were simple to construct. There were only two pieces I had to modify, the socket for the left hip was slightly too large to fit in the dip created in the model (it somehow ended up uneven) and the  neck joint was needlessly convoluted so I slightly modified it to require only one elastic. All and all, it was definitely one of the smoother constructions of a self designed item I have done throughout my life, and I think the design choices that went into that are to thank. Although its size definitely helped with the construction, I quickly came to realize that the plastic pieces would be unable to create the tension required to hold itself up.

Results

Overall, I would call this project a success. I believe, although it had some faults, I was able to demonstrate with this project that it is very possible to use 3d modeling and printing to create a fully articulated, useful stop motion puppet. Despite the fact that I used Maya for the modeling (a very expensive program) there are alternatives like blender that can be used to create the design of your puppet, and TinkerCad works excellently to create the joints and then export them as an STL. I sliced the model using Ultimaker Cura, which is also free, although I did have to buy the filament. 

This is where the project begins to fall slightly short of the goals set for it. The filament needed ended up costing about 26 dollars, however I could have saved a bit on that by buying a slightly larger roll instead of two of the smallest available ones, which I ended up not using all of. Additionally, the nuts and bolts required to hold the joints together ended up costing a total 25 dollars, when bought from ace hardware, which brings the final total to around 51 dollars, 21 over the original goal cost. However, I do not think this is an exorbitant expense especially when most stop motion armatures cost around 150-200 dollars for something of a similar caliber, which doesn't even include the clay and other materials that may be needed to form the actual puppet over them. Additionally, I could likely reduce costs further by standardizing the size of the holes for the joints, so I could buy the nuts and bolts in bulk, cheaper packages, instead of individually.

Another issue is its size. Although its size definitely helped with the construction, I quickly came to realize that the plastic pieces would be unable to create the tension required to hold itself up. Originally I had planned to create a supporting arm to help with this, but due to time constraints and the actual viability of 3d printing that it ended up not being a part of the final project. I think this is something that could be valuable for this model, but it is also something that should be made of a heavier, stronger material than PLA.

In general, despite these small issues, I believe they could all easily be resolved with a few iterations of the joints, and small fixes. Thus, I would consider this project a success, and I am certainly very happy with how to puppet turned out!