Test Tube Vase

Sketches

Intention

The goal of this project was to use a 3D printer to create a form that holds another form and, in so doing, changes the functionality of this secondary form. My goal was to create a simple vase for holding single floral stems. Given that 3d prints are not easily waterproofed, I decided to create a form to hold a test tube. In the spirit of exploration and play I decided that my vase would be wall mounted.

Research, Context & Aesthetic Inspiration:

Because of the simplicity and neutral quality of the form many people have created aesthetic test tube holders for floral arrangement. I drew inspiration from these pre-existing forms. Yet the goal of my form did diverge from many of the test tube vases that came before -- my goal was to create a form with volume that felt like a ceramic piece, including a test tube was primarily for water proofing.

Renderings

Process

1) I sketched the original form until I felt I could create a Fusion 360 model easily

2) Fusion 360 modeling

3) Send to print

4) Realize print is too big for bed

5) Cut off bottom of form in Fusion 360

6) Send to print again :|

7) Wait 2 days for print

8) Realize interior diameter of test tube hole is about .25 mm too small for the test tube by breaking a test tube while inserting it

9) File down  interior of test tube hole

10) Document

Photos

Reflection:

The form that I explored during this project was fairly simple, so the form was created without any complications. I did learn about tolerances when I made a mistake of making the test tube hole too small. I'm intrigued to explore simple vase forms in the future.