The Shadow Project Free 3D print model

cgtrader

This tutorial explains how to create a light/shadow projection print, not specifically focusing on the example I created. However, if you're married or dating, and both partners' names start with A and M, this technique will work for you. I was inspired by the [stereographic projection](http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:202774) design, which led me to realize its potential for creating various projections on arbitrary 2D planar shapes and 3D surface shells. All it takes is loading your shape into a designer software, extruding it, and performing a boolean subtraction from the shell. In Blender (and probably other similar tools), be sure to "Remove Doubles" after scaling the top layer down to zero so that it forms a single point instead of 80 duplicate points in the same location. For reference, the small square at the top serves as the entry point for your light source. You are essentially conducting a ray-tracing process through the shell surface to accurately recreate the exact outline required to create a neat and precise projection with your light source. To aid visibility, I added a short horizontal bar at the top that won't obstruct the actual placement of the light source. Keep in mind that while this technique works for most 2D designs on any 3D shell surface, it might demand some care to prevent difficulty in printing certain elements and to ensure they connect seamlessly, as exemplified by adding a small connector piece at the top of my model (the letter "A") to secure its "hole" against floating loosely.