7.3. How to 3D print realistic feathers by Billie Ruben (2020) Maker Billie Ruben has published a video showing an extremely interesting technique for producing these lifelike feathers on any FFF 3D printer. The technique is completely ingenious, and not obvious until Ruben walks you through the process. The solid feather is similar to what you’d commonly see in 3D model repositories as something masquerading as a feather. But the secret to feather-transformation isn’t in the 3D modeling, but is instead in the slicing step. Rubens walks us through some Cura-fu that is quite amazing. Basically her approach is to persuade the 3D printer to literally 3D print each barb on the two feature vanes individually, yet using the “solid” feather 3D model.
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