Monthly Archives: January 2014

Finalising Pen Case Shape

case_zbrush
After building a model in 3dsmax, the shape still wasn’t quite there.  It was also awkward and time consuming moving around vertices in max, so instead the decision was made to export the file as an obj. and work on the shape in zbrush.  Once complete, the model was exported to max and a new model was built around it, which resulted in this:

I final case 3
J final case 4

H final case 2

The models were rendered in V-ray.  The program is so great I’ll never go back to using mentalray.  The next step is to build the actual case for including into the final year presentation in college

Pen Case Mock-up

mock-up case

In order to work out in real world 3d the size and proportions of the case, a quick mock-up sculpt using plasticine was put together.  The initial idea was to include a button on one end of the model, but I decided against it as it upset the flow of the arcs and curves.  I felt it was good, but still not entirely happy about the design.  My gut felling was it was still lacking something.

Pen case concepts

During this project, time was also allocated towards the research report which ended up being 13,000 words, concepts for the final year project, the final year exhibition work and the thesis 5,000 word draft.

 

 

B_concepts 1

C concepts 2
Using the Audi A8’s interior as a source of reference and inspiration, it was a good starting point for the first two concepts.

 

 

D concepts 3
Perhaps, it could be simplified, yet still aesthetically pleasing with an efficient use of the interior space.  The interior housing in concept three could be pull out from the leather covering.

 

 

E concepts 4
Going in an entirely different direction, inspired by the exterior forms of the A8, especially the hub caps lead to the collection of concepts in image four.

 

 

F concepts 5
In the fifth concept sheet, it was becoming closer to a final design.  The next step was to make some plasticine mock-up to evaluate how it would operate and look in the real world.

Waldmann Audi A8 complementary pen final

Final model Model details
After many years away from Solidworks, it took a bit of time to re-learn what was forgotten.  The 2012 version is practically identical to the 2007 version I last used.  Rendered in Photoview 360 and overall, it was a pleasurable learning experience.  The next step was to focus on designing a case.

PDI Yr 4 Case Bridging Study

pen concepts1 pen concepts nibs
For the beginning of the course, we were asked to design a complementary fountain pen for a car picked randomly.  I was given the Audi A8 and chose the Waldmann brand to go with the car model.  As both are German companies and have a similar philosophy towards design, form follows function and manufactured magnificently, it was a fitting choice.  Above is some of the concept art work carried out for the project.