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Right Piece Dimensions / X=28.86mm /Y=59.37mm/Z=29.47mm

Left Piece Dimensions / X=29.58mm /Y=59.42mm /Z=34.53mm

Peg Dimensions / X= 4.06mm /Y=4.06mm /Z= 13.18

Volume = 17 grams

Time took to print= 85 mins

For my project I have been working on building an artistic replica of the lumbar section of the human spine suffering from Spastic Cerebral Palsy. As I was researching what a section of spine looks like, I realized I did not just want to 3D scan a section of vertebra or just get a format for a vertebra off of Thing-a-verse. This is also when I realized that if I was going to draw and create this piece from my own designs it was going to be more of an artist’s interpretation than an anatomically perfect replica. This bottom to top approach to my project was an important decision for shaping my idea as a whole. I wanted to focus my project on the people and the idea and to me going through the whole process step by step allowed me to channel my thoughts and energies toward those goals rather than towards creating a perfect vertebra. Working with my own designs and learning how to do all the different things necessary to bring my pieces to life also meant that I got to learn more in general about the software, equipment, and nuances of 3D printing. Doing it myself, I felt that I was getting more out of the class and the whole experience and not cheating myself out of an opportunity to learn. The 3D modeling environment also had an effect on how my idea progressed. Seeing and testing out all of the different modeling tools meant that I could choose the best path for printing my vertebra in the style I intended. This meant taking my 2D sketches from different views of the same vertebra, and tracing them in Adobe Illustrator before transferring them into TinkerCAD. TinkerCAD made those sketches into block shapes, which I was able to use to sculpt a 3D artistic replica of a lumbar vertebra. My job didn’t end there. The physical restraints of the printer itself also took a toll on how I created my vertebra. My object as it stood posed some problems for the printer. There was not any flat surface to start the print job from so I had to find one in the shape. I achieved this by slicing my piece in half along its central axis so that I was left with two roughly symmetrical pieces each with its own smooth flat surface upon which to rest as they printed. Because of how long the printing process is for printing my vertebra, and because all of my peers also need to use the resources, I realized that it would be unreasonable to print another separate section of spine that is healthy to go along with my spine with C.P., as was my original plan. The next step is to assemble my spine from my printed pieces and some other materials I’ve collected. Using wire and a sculpted foam column to account for the soft tissue aspects of the spinal column my printed pieces will be mounted to display how they would look in life, in a person. I look forward to working on my project and sharing my progress and my idea as it evolves.