Boolean Buddhas

3D printed sculptures

Process

The project began with this 3D scan, published with a public domain license on Thingiverse by Pieter Bos (his first upload!)

In Pieter's photo here, you can see the original and a 3D print of his model.

I used it as a test model on my Makerbot, as a way to tweak the printer's settings and to try out new paints and coatings.

Buddha Tests

Later, I began to play with the model using the open source 3D program Blender.

Buddha in Blender

I started to combine multiple copies of the Buddha model with simple shapes, using boolean operations.

Model in Blender

A "boolean operation" can take an object and add ("union"), subtract ("difference"), or intersect with another object. Here you can see how it works in two dimensions.

boolean_explanation

After the model is finished, it gets printed on the Makerbot. The Makerbot builds the model one thin layer at a time by extruding melted plastic. This shot shows a print about halfway complete.

Printing the model

The last step is taping and painting.

Taping the print

The final result.

Final result

Shop

I've made a limited edition of twelve prints for each sculpture. Price includes tax.
Shipping is $4 (US Only, email me for international rates)
SOLD OUT!

Models

I'm making the 3D files for these models available on Thingiverse under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial license.
Feel free to modify or print them.

Final result
Final result
Final result
Final result
Final result
Final result
Final result
Final result