Week 4
I started the week by creating a Module Plan to help me focus on my aims from this module were I identified that I’d like to be able to create both digital and physical garments using two new techniques of 3D printing and Laser Cutting. As I am wanting to be able to ultimately create 3D structures I have identified that I will need to learn the appropriate softwares and so I will continue with my learning in both Blender and Rhino, I will also maintain my knowledge of CLO3D as I explore how to incorporate the new learnt techniques within this programme, I also plan to work on further pattern cutting exercises using the Pattern Magic Books to better improve my skills and understand how to adjust the block and incorporate more complex styling.
Module Plan
3D Printing
My prints are ready and have all printed well with the exception of two initial prints which had been placed on the same file for printing which resulted in some stringing as the printer moved between each structure, so note to self to only send files individually in the future. I’m pleased with how the prints have printed and how they truly reflect the files and it’s exciting when you realise the ability to print objects that are linked, complex and flexible. Where I had used rafts to help secure the structure to the base plate it was a challenge to separate without damaging some of the links (see the Triangular linked structure)and also the twisted structure has no closed ends so will easily fall apart and the print that is still on it’s raft is proving to difficult to remove and also looks too messy which i’m guessing is due to it’s fine structure. I’m so used to working with soft fabrics that i’m finding the feel of all of the prints far too hard and plastic like and I’m initially struggling to see how I can use this form of printing in clothing to create an aesthetic that is pleasing and comfortable.
I’ve started to further research into alternative 3D printing and the materials available (see the attached certificate and reports) and I’ve also selected further files via Thingiverse for printing. These new files have a more organic feel and I’m starting to consider how I can used 3D printing in areas of a garment as opposed to the full garment.
3D print of Chainmail 
3D print on the raft 
3D print of twisted structure 
3D print of Triangular linked structure and it’s raft 
3D print of Triangular linked structure 
3D printed chainmail 
3D printed interlinking structure
Laser Cutting
Another key areas I want to explore is how to use the laser cutter to discover what effects/designs can be created and how the properties of the fabrics are affected.
I was keen to start the learning process so I chose to download some vector files from Vecteezy of some designs which I felt would create some interesting designs but after getting in touch with the Workshop Manager I soon realised that there would be no instructors in the workshop on the day I planned to come in. Instead I chose a day when help would be available if required, and this allowed me a further week so I decided to put my research into action and I created some vector files of my own.
I also watched some instructor videos on Linkedin Learning so I felt more confident with using the machine and understanding the requirements for setting up the print and the various types of cuts the machine is able to produce. I”ve also been looking through projects with a book for Laser Cutting which provides clear instructions for creation, application and give examples of material types.
Laura Berens Baker (2016). Laser cutting for fashion and textiles. London: Laurence King Publishing.
Laser Cutting files
Blender
Rhino & PythonScript
I’m progressing through the course and now moving onto connecting (looping) points and shapes with a surface to create 3D structures, within the code I’ve input information to colour in variations and how to add this to the render output. When some of the pieces were created they overlapped to create a circular image with lots of slithers of varying colours. I took one of the files into Photoshop and re-coloured them to create some variations and then as i’d done in previous week I took the print into CLO3D and applied it to a garment where I played around with the positioning and scale and I was also able to consider the material that this print could work on.
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