Ephemeral Matter: Hand Sculpted 3D Printing

Learn the fundamentals of 3D scanning and multi-material 3D printing by transforming a hand-sculpted clay object into a digitally augmented, 3D-printed effigy. No prior experience with 3D modeling or 3D printing is required.

Participants will shape an original design by hand using polymer clay, then scan it into the digital realm and return it to the physical world through 3D printing, making this workshop a uniquely accessible entry point into digital fabrication.

Participants will explore the basics of 3D scanning using a range of commercially available handheld scanners, and even learn how to create scans using their smartphones. Participants will be introduced to OrcaSlicer, a powerful, open-source, and user-friendly slicing tool that converts 3D models into printable instructions for 3D printers. Using OrcaSlicer, participants will prepare their scanned forms for printing by "painting" their forms with a variety of specialized filaments, including dissolvable supports, metallics, and color-shifting plastics, to enhance and distort their imported models into something new.

This workshop is ideal for beginners, but also accommodates those with prior experience who want to experiment with multifilament techniques and personalized design workflows.

By the end of the session, each participant will leave with two near-identical objects: one shaped entirely by hand, and the other reimagined through digital transformation and multi-material 3D printing.

This workshop is presented as part of Vector Festival 2025.

WORKSHOP REQUIREMENTS

• Participants should bring a laptop (Windows, macOS, Linux) with at least 8GB of RAM
• Participants should download and install OrcaSlicer in advance

All other workshop materials will be provided, courtesy of Vector Festival.

Please make sure to prepare and test out this setup well before the workshop. If you run into any issues with installing or using this software, contact education@interaccess.org for troubleshooting advice.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Kieran Mills (he/they) is a high school arts, science and technology educator with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) who believes that building, tinkering, and making are the key to fostering deeper, more meaningful relationships with the digital world. They are a passionate advocate for makerspaces and DIY electronics, driven by a desire to help others reconnect with technology in a hands-on, personal way.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

MEMBER PRICING
InterAccess Annual Studio Members receive a 40% discount on all workshops. To activate Studio Member pricing, click "Use ticket access code" at checkout and enter your Member discount code.

EQUITY ACCESS PRICING
To reduce financial barriers, a pay-what-you-can (PWYC) discount is available for any community members that self-identify as part of an equity-seeking group, which includes (but is not limited to) disabled, Black, Indigenous, students, and newcomers. This discount is also available to those earning less than a living wage. To request an Equity Access code, please email education@interaccess.org.

ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
We are located on the second floor of the building, which is accessible by two flights of stairs or an elevator. The front entrance has an automatic push door and is accessible by ramp or a short flight of stairs. Inside, all InterAccess facilities are on the same level, including a single-user accessible washroom.

CANCELLATION AND RESCHEDULING POLICY
Please email education@interaccess.org to request a refund. We are unable to guarantee attendee cancellations or refunds less than 1 week prior to a workshop or event. InterAccess reserves the right to cancel or reschedule this workshop if necessary.