The RDBlog

My (adult) daughter said that when she saw the large rose top jewelry box in my workshop. (I am still doing the finish work)

That really got me to thinking about the whole 3D printing "game". Who am I kidding here?
So I have a jewelry box I made with 3D printing, that doesn't look like it was 3D printed. Is that the goal? In this case it is, but why? I examined pictures of a wood keepsake box a friend made. It is simple, but has intrinsic value because of its traditional construction and materials. Is the goal of 3D printing just to duplicate that value? Sometimes it is, so it seems.

Will my jewelry box have "intrinsic value" of it's own? Remove the idea that it is 3D printed. Is it, or can it be, seen for what it is and not how it was made?

So now I am finishing a "fake" wood jewelry box. Or am I? I think I am not. It is a nice looking jewelry box that doesn't "look" 3D printed. It's finished like wood. So what is it? Umm... How about, "It's a nice jewelry box." Let it stand on that value alone (?)

Not looking for answers. Just exploring the many paths 3D printing can go. I call it, "food for thought."

In my silver work, 3D printing is a step in a process I am exploring. The fact 3D printing is involved, is something I work at to make invisible in my castings. But I have seen some artists who make the tell-tale 3D print layering, a feature. So, there are no rules. I am not making rules for anyone.. Right now I know traditional wax is a mature, dependable process. Wax masters are a process but not a feature. 3D printing is still dripping blood on the cutting edge of possible silver casting application. How it is (or if) presented as a design feature is an artistic expression. Currently, I want to produce silver pieces using 3D printing, looking as good as I produce using wax.

For me, 3D printing is about exploring applications. It doesn't need to replace any traditional process. It is an alternative. I know it can let me make things (true 3D model) I can't make with low cost tools I presently own. So, for that it is justified.

It's very good for making Junque too. Everyone needs a few plastic skulls in their home... But that is not Junque to a paleontologist.

3D printing is well suited for what it is and not for what it can pretend to be. Modeling is its "strong suit." A durable component or item? Yes, Within it's own material limitations.

Oh, did I mention. It's one heck of a good learning system when developing with CAD/CAM The visual prototype is it's strongest application.

Um... let me jump off this box...

~Dan