For the first lab assignment, I decided to model a container of bubbles I received from one of the tables in Sayles last term! The images below depict each component used in the model, as well as an image of the final product.
Figure 1.1 Image of the fully constructed 3D model of the bubble tube
Figure 1.2 Image of the bubble container component
Figure 1.3 The bubble wand component of the project
Figure 1.4 The bubble liquid component of the model
The Process
Given that this was my first time modeling with fusion in some years, there was a little bit of a learning curve when trying to get used to all the different functions again, but once I got into the swing of things, it all came flooding back to memory. The object I chose to model was fairly simple, so constructing individual components wasn’t much of a challenge at all, but I did struggle a bit when it came to assembly. It was rough to get the handle at the top of the model to line up correctly in the center of the bubble wand’s base, as well as making sure that parts that looked attached, actually were attached. The tip of the bubble wand was another thing that I had some trouble with. Since I created it from memory, I couldn’t get the shape of the tip right and had to go through a couple of different options before settling on the final design. This was the component that gave me the most trouble since attaching it to the rest of the wand in a way that looked natural took a long time, especially since I created each piece individually. Unfortunately, there were some details that I had to omit such as the ripple texture of the handle, as I don’t know how to create a surface with different elevations, everything else was fairly easy to implement. Through this experience, I learned that sometimes it is better to create all the parts of one connected object by starting with that object’s base and creating sketches and extrusions using that as a platform rather than creating every single part separately and assembling later. Assembly is a great part of this program that should be used, especially when you know more realistic proportions for the object you are modeling, such knowledge will make the entire process run more smoothly.
Moving on from my own experience, I can see many possibilities for the use of 3D modeling, or CAD software in teaching and research. Starting with research, being able to model and efficiently catalog artifacts can aid in disseminating scholarship, making collaboration in research more accessible, and in some cases possible. One of the most important aspects of digital humanity is the ability to collaborate with others whether more directly, through working on a design with a group, or indirectly through the increased public access digital networks offer. Furthermore, Fusion can be a great teaching tool, even outside of an art class. Fusion has a focus on engineering and can be used as a tool to experiment with the construction (or deconstruction) of an object to be able to safely understand how the different parts interact with each other.
2 thoughts on “Lab Assignment 1 – Bubbles!”
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I like how you took the time to show even the individual interior parts of the object. The alternating sides of the images and text on your post as you deconstruct the object also add great visual interest and help guide the reader’s eye down to continue reading your post. Your object and post are both well-designed. I think some of your later images are stronger than your first one. The first image is a little pixelated, so either a different image or making that picture smaller might showcase your work better.
I enjoyed how you showed the components that make up the object. I appreciate all the detail you showed, especially the fluid in the interactive model. I also struggled with the alignment of parts when I was building my model.