Introduction
This week, we finished our arm modelling and started adding some textures to our mechanical arm. Even though I was unable to attend lessons in person, I managed to watch the recording.
3D Modelling Process
Creating the Wrist
First, we started modelling the wrist, so I used the wireframe display mode to get a better overview on the pivot point and center the elements.
Learning how to Circularize Components
Since we wanted to add some some screws into our model, we learned how to circularize the mesh. In other words, we created circles within square meshes.
Modelling the Wrist
After creating the holes, I filled them up with the screws.
3D Renders
Mechanical Arm
In order to render my mechanical arm, I added some textures and lights into the scene.
When it comes to the environment light, I wanted to maintain the purple color palette of the arm.
Hand Bones
After modelling the structure of the arm, we started adding more details into our designs.
The picture on the left shows the bone plates we added into our hand. You can appreciate them because the palm of the hand is hidden.
Mechanical Arm Grip
After working on the design of the mechanical arm, we started posing the hand and how it would look if it interacted with an object.
For this purpose, we created a ball and placed the fingers surrounding the item.
Creating Functional Articulations
Besides from making our mechanical arm visually appealing, we also had to design functional articulations. In this sense, we had to create hierarchies to connect the three finger bones to our hand.
Hand Fist & Hand Grip
What follows next are two animations that showcase from different perspectives how the hand makes a fist and then grabs a ball. Whereas in the first case the finger rotations are wider, in the second one the fingers surround the shape of the ball.
Further Comments
Now that we have the structure of our mechanical arm, I am looking forward to rigging my model next week. Furthermore, I will also work on adding some details into my model.