Design Process

An overarching walkthrough of the design process employed by our team in completing our class project for SCI 6247. Above is a photographic step by step break down of the chocolate molding process.

MODEL 1

This 3D model was creating using United States Geological Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data which was transformed using QGIS, AccuTrans 3D, and Blender to create a topographically a

USGS DEM database

USGS Digitial Elevation Model (DEM) database used as the original point values before brining the data into QGIS.

QGIS to AccuTrans

The USGS DEM data was converted into a 3D model

DEM Converted to a 3D Model

In converting the DEM data in AccuTrans 3D from QGIS I selected the Vertex Interval to reduce the number of triangles and edges of the dataset. While testing I found that somewhere around a Vertex Interval of 8 gives me approximately 408,608 triangles. This number is down from 26m in the original raster. With the process completed, a 3D mesh of the model was left.

3D Model to Blender

3 dimensional cube resting on on a 3D grid by switching to OBject Mode in Blender.

Measured 3D Grid in Blender

sing the measure tool, measure the width of the cube. Tests indicated a cube of 2 meters by 2 meters.

X, Y, and Z Object Properties

The cube base for the Z axis to fit just above the bottom surface of the cube.

3D Mesh

With a boolean modifier in place for the dialog box in Blender the eyedropper alongside the Object tool element with the eydropper activated.

Autodesk Fusion 360

The .obj was then transferred from Blender to Autodesk Fusion 360 for rendering.

Model proudction

A 3D model was then created in order to physically mold the shape of the chocolate into the mountain structure.

Mold and Casing

The chocolate (as seen in the four part slide at the top of the Design Process page) was compressed into the mold using its 3D printed shape and casing.

.Obj File Rendering

In rendering the exact format of the 3D model the lighting for the object was adjusted to ensure that the model was displayed so that the printing process would be as accurate to the true DEM data on Mount Rainier as possible.

Voila!

Our finalized 3D chocolate DEM model in delicious mint chocolate.

MODEL 2

Satellite image of an urban condition near Mount Rainier transferred into Grasshopper and then mapped to for a 3D rendering as altitude points from the image pixels.