Rapid Prototyping for 3D Art Pieces, Prototype Art, 3D Digital Art

ProtoCAM has specific experience working with artists to create 3D art pieces. Applying 3D modeling, rapid prototyping, rapid manufacturing and direct digital manufacturing techniques to 3D art models creates compelling and visually stunning 3D art objects. In short, an artist's vision can be brought to reality.

Creating 3D Digital Art Pieces
Working cooperatively with artists, ProtoCAM takes the artists' 3D CAD representations or provides 3D CAD modeling services to create the CAD drawings that can be made. ProtoCAM then uses stereolithography or other techniques to make the 3D art pieces.

Features
3D digital art models created with rapid prototyping / direct digital manufacturing are extremely visually appealing because:

• Various levels of clarity and translucency can be employed to create objects that are appealing and engaging
• The complex details envisioned by the artist in the 3D art model can be brought to life with rapid prototyping technologies
• A variety of different surface finishes can be used to enhance the art
• With stereolithography, the 3D art can be lit from underneath, creating a visually stunning exhibit

Case Study: Kiki Seror
Kiki Seror is an artist living and working in New York City. Ms. Seror was preparing a number of pieces for a solo exhibition at the I-20 Gallery in Chelsea when she contacted ProtoCAM. Ms. Seror had 3D CAD drawings of the objects she created using NewTek Lighwave software using an Intel Mac. While this software is not commonly used by typical ProtoCAM customers who are product development engineers, Ms. Seror was able to produce STL files that could be used to make the pieces. The request to ProtoCAM was to produce them in the clearest, most transparent material possible for lighting from below.

ProtoCAM's engineers reviewed the 3D drawings and were somewhat concerned about the thinness of some areas shown in the drawings and the fragility that would result. Ms. Seror was able to make a few small adjustments to the drawings to increase the wall thickness while maintaining the integrity of the art. ProtoCAM was able to then produce the 3D art objects using stereolithography (SLA) and the most advanced, clearest SLA materials available.

Initially there were two different designs which were produced in editions of five. The pieces were displayed on elevated lightboxes, producing a striking visual effect.

After successfully completing these pieces, Ms. Seror returned to ProtoCAM to inquire about creating two additional works that were more challenging. The goal was to create two large circular objects (about 4 feet in diameter) with repeating patterns that Ms. Seror had created. These two round works would be suspended to be exhibited. The challenges included:

• Ensuring the individual objects could be produced with appropriate thicknesses to support the fine detail
• Joining the individual elements to create the large circular designs
• Making sure the individual pieces would be constructed so that they could be transported and then suspended from the ceiling in the gallery
• Having a surface / finish that would accept coloring
• Meeting the time constraints to have the art ready for the opening of the exhibition

ProtoCAM was able to collaborate with Ms. Seror to work out all of these issues and complete the job in time for the installation and opening.

Many thanks to Kiki Seror and I-20 Gallery for working with ProtoCAM on this project and for allowing ProtoCAM to provide this case study. All photos (except as indicated) provided by and copyright Kiki Seror.

Key Benefits of Working with ProtoCAM to Create 3D Art Pieces

• Fast turnaround
• Prototype engineering expertise combined with 3D CAD modeling experience with art work
• Experience using rapid prototyping / direct digital manufacturing to make works of art
• Design confidentiality

Contact ProtoCAM for 3D Art and Art Prototypes
Please contact us to discuss your 3D digital art work or to request a quotation.