Light Experimentation - Part 3: 3D Printing and Resin Coating

After realising that it's quite difficult to achieve the droplets in glass form in Singapore, I went ahead to work with Grant to start on the resin process - droplets will be casted using resin. 

 First, we drafted the designs in Rhino and tried the light stimulation digitally.

We explored different droplet sizes and the light effects.

 I got the anti-flash transparent (not really transparent) filament from Winrigo as we wanted to also test if light could pass through the 3D print with this filament so we might do away with the resin process.

Left: A sample of transparent filament 3D print design, Right: A epoxy resin product

The 1st 3D print is out in 14 hours

We printed both (uneven and even) surface droplets to do more testings. 

The surface of a 3D print is very rough so I had to do wet sanding for both of them.
The surface has to be as smooth as possible for the silicon rubber mold otherwise the 3D printed lines will be imprinted and transferred for final casting.
Wet sanding for each 3D droplet took roughly 1.5 hours.

 After the sanding, we did surface coating with epoxy resin.
Grant told me to be extra careful when dealing with resin, just 1 drop of resin or hardener lands on the skin, I have to be sent to A&E. I was obviously terrified but he assured me that as long as I follow the safety guidelines, I will be ok.
He demonstrated the process so I can follow and do it next time.
We have to weigh and measure to get the correct ratio for mix: 2.5 epoxy resin, 1.5 hardener.

 3D prints that are well-sanded and ready for surface coating.

 We have to stir the mixture about 1 minute before pouring the resin over the both of them.

I didn't manage to capture the last step of resin coating, we had to rub the resin mix all over 3D droplets using our fingers and palms while wearing gloves to make sure all surface are evenly coated.

 Grant also printed another droplet with very thin layer of filament, he did surface coating for the inside and outside.

 Waiting for the epoxy resin to dry: 1 day.

Came back the next morning to see it completely cured! Next, we will be pouring the silicone rubber mold.