Not a Knot

Discussion in 'My Shapeways Order Arrived' started by Metamagic, May 7, 2012.

  1. Metamagic
    Metamagic Member
    Not_a_Knot_2.png

    My first model arrived today. Yay!

    It's a symmetric network on top of a rhombic triacontahedron. Six separate pieces tightly interwoven.

    I wanted to experience the quality of the 3D print before proceededing with my other models. It turned out much better than I anticipated.

    First I wanted to do it in metal but it wasn't possible since the model is in separate pieces. I may create a new model where they connect with a thin wire which I can then cut afterwards.

    Definitely not my last 3D print :)

    Thomas

    Not_a_Knot_1b.jpg
     
  2. Metamagic
    Metamagic Member
    Hi,

    It did wake my curiousity, too, and inspire me first time I saw an object like that. I'll be happy to share some information about it.

    Take a look at Carlo Sequin's paper on tangled knots:
    http://www.cs.berkeley.edu/~sequin/PAPERS/ArtMath05_TangledK nots.pdf

    He has created a number of similar objects. An image search on his name will reveal many other interesting structures.

    Thomas
     
  3. Metamagic
    Metamagic Member
    At the moment, it's only use is for decoration. Maybe a keychain or jewelry made in metal.

    Are you Danish, too? Your signature says "fjernstyret bil" :)

    Thomas
     
  4. Metamagic
    Metamagic Member
    I'm not sure what you mean by "decorated for what", but it was made to be put on my desk. It's nice to roll around in the hand as well :)

    The design was created on my PC using a program that I wrote.

    Thomas
     
  5. Metamagic
    Metamagic Member
    The program that I made is not publicly available yet. You would need to create one yourself. Technically, "Not a Knot" is a network of splines on top of a polyhedron, but it's difficult to explain all the details here.

    Some of my newer figures involves physically-based modeling, too (like these: https://www.shapeways.com/model/571165/pendant.html and https://www.shapeways.com/model/571178/sausage-ball.html). Maybe one day, I'll make the tool public.

    If you want to have the object itself, of course just go to
    https://www.shapeways.com/model/549781/not-a-knot.html
    and click 'Add to Cart' :)

    Thomas