bg3d

This script I wrote exports your model in Maya right to a GCODE file for 3D Printing. I’ve been working on this for a while and it’s been functional for a long time, except now I’ve gotten it to a point where I’ve created a user interface for ease of use.

I put this script together for a few reasons

The way this script works is it first exports your selected Model as an STL File with the name of whatever you have selected.  It reads a template INI file with all the Cura settings in it, and a couple extras I created.  Takes the input of this window and re-writes out a new INI file.  Then it uses that INI in a command line to launch CURA with your STL file.  It also reads the output INI file for previous settings and applies them to this window.

Right now the script isn’t very portable.  :( so sadly I can’t just make it available to download but if you are interested in trying it out I can work with you to get it to work on your system.  One thing I would like to change and I’m not sure if I can, but when it calls the command line Maya locks up while it’s slicing.  I would prefer if it would let go of Maya while it’s slicing so I can continue on or save my progress. (It doesn’t happen very often but, I do forget to save sometimes too.) If anyone is interested in helping develop this and improve it let me know.

You’ll need

This 3D model is based on the Fanimation Enigma Ceiling fan.  I spotted this fan in the beginning of the movie i-robot with Will Smith and was completely blown away by the design and had to have one.  Needless to say I don’t actually own one but I found out where to buy one and how much it would cost and decided to model it and put it into my CG Bedroom scene.  It’s now available on Turbosquid. For a limited time it will be available for only $1.00. so get it while it’s cheap!

I own this real coffee table in and modeled it to scale to move it around in my living room in a virtual space.  This model isn’t the most accurate but it does represent the shape well.  I plan on doing a higher level of accuracy with drawer at a later date.

And a funny one…

I’m the Lead Modeler in the Nissan Virtual Garage and we work on these cars long before they’re released.  It’s exciting to see our hard work show up on TV and the internet with this great level of quality.  Some are funny, some are Just darn cool. Enjoy!




Right about 23 seconds in the video directly above you get a good look at the tires. I modeled and refined the modeling process for those and all future tires in the Nissan Virtual Garage.

That’s right, I’m going for a bike ride! I joined Team Nissan Tour De Cure. I’ll be doing a 9 mile mountain bike trail.

The dollars we raise for the American Diabetes Association fund research, provide services, and give voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. I invite you to join me in this effort. More than 25 million Americans live with diabetes, and your support can and will make a difference in their lives.

If your interested you can donate with the link below or see how much our team has raised.

Whatever you can give will help! I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.

Donate

Team Nissan

I recently got the pleasure of meeting and working with Jamie through my current Job, Nissan Virtual Garage. I like this video because it has substance, it’s not just a space ship and a robot flying through space on an adventure, there is actually a meaning behind it. Another short that inspired me back in 2002 was Cathedral, by Platige image. This might not be an Oscar nominated “Best Animated Short Film” but as a 3D artist this is just as inspirational. Sure I can model up a chess piece in an afternoon but I can only dream of having the talent and dedication to make something on this scale. Maybe one day Jamie will let me 3D print his Avabot. Hopefully this video will inspire you as it inspired me and be sure to check out the Making of Avabot, just below.

AVABOT

An astral salvager and his automaton delve into the deep reaches of space in search of a legendary starship that has been missing for over a century. Their quest takes them on a perilous journey where they learn a lesson of mortality, selflessness, and what it is to be human.

The Making of Avabot


Runtime, 10 minutes
2009

Jamie Surgener
Writer, Director, Sound Design, Music, Video Editor, Camera Operator, Set/Prop Designer and Builder, CGI Modeler

Kevin Capizzi
CGI Animation, Texture Mapping, Rendering, Additional Modeling

Tracy Wayne Surgener
Actor, “David”

AWARDS
Best Film 2010 (Do It Yourself Film Festival, Hollywood, California)
Best Director 2010 (Do It Yourself Film Festival, Hollywood, California)
Best Editing 2010 (Detroit Independent Film Festival, Detroit, Michigan)
Best Art Design 2011 (Mitten Movie Project, Detroit, Michigan)
Third Place Best Cinematography 2011 (Mitten Movie Project, Detroit, Michigan)
Third Place Best Editing 2011 (Mitten Movie Project, Detroit, Michigan)
Best Location 2011 (Mitten Movie Project, Detroit, Michigan)
Audience Choice Award 2010 (Mitten Movie Project, Detroit Michigan)

This happened back in April, but it’s had a lasting effect on me.  This was about the same time I got my 3D printer and I have since wanted to do the same thing.  Enjoy this entertaining video from blablabLAB

Be Your Own Souvenir! from blablabLAB on Vimeo.

I downloaded this model from Thingiverse.com
It was made by Jon Monaghan
11hrs 3mins print time. Still needs some tuning for better quality… but not bad!
Click image for Full Size