Entoforms are a concept I have been thinking about for a while. The name Entoform is based on the Greek word “Entomon”, which means “insect”. The study of insects is called “Entomology”.
Part of the concept is the experimentation with new technology. In the latest versions of Blender 3D you can use python scripting to emulate manual modelling (creation of shapes). Because of this I had the idea that in stead of coming up with a shape myself, and then figuring out how to make it. In stead I can write a chunk of code that can grow me a shape based on something akin to DNA.
On the job
I have currently spent a week on the project and have a basic working version of the code. It is highly experimental, and not really of much use to the public as a tool, but I am sure I can create a number of simpler tools based on this code that I can release to the Blender 3D community. Also a nice by-product of this project is that I can test the new code in Blender, and report the bugs I am sure I will run into. Very few people have been working with this technology so far.
Keeping track of progress
Part of the script is a function to create a sequence of images showing how the Entoform grows in 3D. I will use these to create videos which I’ll post on youtube and embed in posts here as well. For each post I will also attach the .blend file with the end result and the version of the script used to create the form.
The end result
My end goal is to exhibit 3D printed versions of the Entoforms. They will be presented as entomologists exhibit their subjects. I am really looking forward to experimenting more with 3D printing. I have been involved with the technology for a bit, but haven’t until now come up with a personal project that suits it.
More to come!
