3D Modeled Mechanical Necklace

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3D Modeled Mechanical Necklace

Media: 3D modeled milled and printed components, wood, various hardware components, copper, bailer twine.

LxWxH: 4x10.5x7 inch’s

Date Completed: 12/14

To make a piece that has mechanism involved is to solve a puzzle in your head. It only happens thanks to an insatiable interest and lots of former experience. I used a plexi-glass base to show off both sides of the piece. The process of milling shown off by the channels, visible on either side.
The orange piece was made using a Maker Bot 3D printer. The black circular piece underneath the orange was printed and ordered through Shape Ways, an online service. The clear piece of Plexi was milled out. The same goes for the black long piece, it is a milled piece of Delrin. During the final days of the piece I needed the ratcheting arm completed faster than could be done by milling (having to put in a request to use the machine). I decided to print a scale image and replicate a computer model in wood.
Afterwards I decided the use of my hand work with computer manufactured pieces was interesting. It’s much deeper than just the piece, it’s an acknowledgment of the two working in harmony. Precision beyond my control and a wooden piece made by my hand both interact and complete the action. it’s a symbol for how I feel about 3D modeling. It’s hard work and if anybody thinks it’s an easy way out they should try and make pieces with it. It’s different, not necessarily easier.