We’ve written before about the sentimental value of 3D printed objects. Consider the notion of capturing 3D data from a pregnant woman’s ultrasound scan of her unborn child – and then reproducing the child in 3D even before it’s born! These and many other similar activities are quite possible these days with 3D print tech.
This idea has been realized by UK-based interactive producer and blogger Sermad Buni, who, after inspiration by a Shapeways post, writes an interesting post entitled “3D Printing Memories”. Sermad says:
what artifacts and objects do I have that I would never want to lose. Could I make a copy of an object – in essence save it’s memory. If you copied a family heirloom – a vase for example. Does this still pass on the memories associated with that object.
What if you could send the ‘data’ of your objects to someone as a gift and they take this into a the 3D printing equivalent of snappy snaps – 1hr later they have an object.
We wonder the same things, and want to do them. We all have collections of things, things that make us what we are because of the memories contained within them. If we can ensure they stay with us and others forever, let’s do it.
Via Sermad
Precious objects are those which hold the strongest memories and emotions and, for me, these are objects that have been created for me by those people who mean a lot to me, sometimes to mark a special occasion, other time as a spontaneous gesture. And I think 3D printing offers another medium with the advantages (and disadvantages!) that digital brings and is being democratised. This is what is exciting. So you scan a precious object and effectively sent digitally to a distant loved one to both print and give further meaning by adding to it and returning or sending it on.
To take this further I have an idea for an exhibition which takes to the next step the concept behind the InsideOut exhibition (http://www.insideoutexhibition.com/ which opens in the UK in Sept and opened in Australia on 4th June in which I have a piece). The concept is for a small group (say 3 to keep it manageable!) to each design an object and then send a digital copy on to the other 2 who then add, manipulate and enhance the object which in turn is sent on in a final round to be completed. If each object is 3D printed at each of these 3 stages this will result in 15 objects that capture into tangible form both individual imprints as well reflection and response provoked and stimulated by collective engagement.
Any sponsors?
Precious objects are those which hold the strongest memories and emotions and, for me, these are objects that have been created for me by those people who mean a lot to me, sometimes to mark a special occasion, other time as a spontaneous gesture. And I think 3D printing offers another medium with the advantages (and disadvantages!) that digital brings and is being democratised. This is what is exciting. So you scan a precious object and effectively sent digitally to a distant loved one to both print and give further meaning by adding to it and returning or sending it on.
To take this further I have an idea for an exhibition which takes to the next step the concept behind the InsideOut exhibition (http://www.insideoutexhibition.com/ which opens in the UK in Sept and opened in Australia on 4th June in which I have a piece). The concept is for a small group (say 3 to keep it manageable!) to each design an object and then send a digital copy on to the other 2 who then add, manipulate and enhance the object which in turn is sent on in a final round to be completed. If each object is 3D printed at each of these 3 stages this will result in 15 objects that capture into tangible form both individual imprints as well reflection and response provoked and stimulated by collective engagement.
Any sponsors?
I love 3dP. Improvements in technology for 3D printers technology has allowed a huge range of companies (not just CAD designers) to use different materials (often low cost) instead of plastic or metals. 3D printing is surely only going to get better and cheaper.
I love 3dP. Improvements in technology for 3D printers technology has allowed a huge range of companies (not just CAD designers) to use different materials (often low cost) instead of plastic or metals. 3D printing is surely only going to get better and cheaper.