For my portion of the Digital to Physical Fabrication workshop, I explain how to create 3D printed stamps of TurtleArt in order to create clay tiles. The 3D printed artifact permits you to create work with more precision that you would otherwise be capable of producing.

Program

Start by using the web version of TurtleArt to create a design that will 3D print well. You want a design that fits on the screen and is not too complicated. These designs are cut off and there are so many repetitions of a rotated form that it will be difficult to glaze the tile.

This design fits in the screen. Additionally, it uses a thicker pen, perhaps a size 12, so the 3D printed object has substantial enough lines.

Make sure your design starts with a Clean block because the conversion to SVG needed for 3D printing expects for there to be a Clean block at the start of your procedure.

Convert to SVG

In order to create a 3D printable model of the TurtleArt design you need to create an SVG. Paula has created tools in the web version that will create the proper SVG for you: no more dipping into Inkscape!

Click the 3 bars are the bottom right of the TurtleArt window: I circled it in the image below. Select save as svg from the menu.

Choose outline and plain for the svg options. If your design is complex, wait for the turtle in the center of the screen to finish "flashing" as it is computing the vectors for the svg.

Click Save SVG. If you haven't yet saved your design you will be prompted to. Your SVG will be downloaded along with a PNG of your procedures that also includes the blocks.

Import Into Tinkercad

Login to Tinkercad and create a new project. Drag a ruler onto the workplane.

Click Import and navigate to the SVG you just created. Change the scale to 10.

Click Import. The optimum size for a 3D printed tile is around 70cm square and .75mm tall.

Export the STL for 3D printing.

Preparing for Glazing

While you 3D print the stamps you can have the students print paper copies of their designs and use crayons or color pencils to brainstorm and try out different glazing patterns.

3D Printing the Designs

I tend to print them one at a time so a design that is laid out above the workplane and which will not adhere does not wipe out an entire bed of prints. 

Transfer to Clay

Start by rolling out the clay between two square dowels of the same height.

You can cut the clay into tile size shapes.

Place the stamp on the clay.

Firmly roll over the stamp. Use a knife to help get the stamp out of the clay if necessary.

Glazing

After an initial firing the tiles are ready for glazing. Aesthetic choice makes the project appealing and unique for each student!

A final firing reveals the beauty.

Thanks

Many thanks to Katelin O'Hare and Vanessa Arnold at The School at Columbia University for their assistance with this project.