The Guardian

pinshape

The Guardian is a digital sculpture and SLA 3D print-ready design, measuring 18cm x 13cm or 7.1 x 5.1 inches. Background: This 3D print and sculpture tells the story of a family's protectors. Whether human, creature, or alien, we all look out for our young ones and would do anything to safeguard them. No matter how beautiful, ugly, or intimidating we may appear, when we're around loved ones, we can melt hearts. I wanted to capture a moment of unknown magic - a mix of dragon and hound sharing a tender moment while guarding their loved ones. Technical: 3D printing is an art as much as it's a science. Optimizing every print configuration prevents issues with the final output. I strongly recommend investing time in finding the best orientation for successful prints, considering that resin printing is still relatively expensive and not within everyone's budget. Hollowing 3D models saves time and resin, reducing costs. In The Guardian print, you'll notice a flat base that can sit sturdily on any surface, while all three pieces are hollowed with release holes to facilitate optimal orientation during the final print. This design also allows excess resin to flow back into the tank, rather than being trapped inside the model and wasted. Support structures play a crucial role in printing complex parts on SLA 3D printers. I used preform software to build supports for The Guardian, making it easier to print. After printing, removal of support materials took around 10-15 minutes, followed by sanding to remove marks. A 30-minute bath in 98% alcohol was necessary to clean the resin leftovers from the final print. As The Guardian was printed in clear resin, a few coats of uniform grey primer were applied before attaching it to a reclaimed wood base for added stability and visual appeal.