Assignment 1: From Sketch to Functional Prototype
WEGD 252 | Primary Software: Blender
Design and fabricate a custom page embosser or stamp for a self-created brand. The object must function as a real-world branding tool used to mark paper products — stationery, packaging, or promotional materials.
A handheld or desktop tool that presses a raised or recessed brand mark into paper. Consider pressure, alignment, ergonomics, and legibility.
A hand-held or mounted stamp that transfers ink or creates an impression. Consider grip, face depth, and clarity of the stamped image.
Invent a self-brand or hypothetical company — design studio, clothing label, cafe, record label, or artist brand. The logo or mark on the tool must clearly reflect this identity.
Ideation & Research
- • Hand or digital sketches
- • Brand name, purpose & target audience
- • Brief problem statement
3D Modelling
- • Block-out model
- • Refined watertight model
- • Final closed-system print-ready model — all built in Blender
Prototype
- • At least one 3D printed prototype
- • Print settings, material choice, and equipment documented
Reflection
- • Material & method analysis
- • Functional evaluation
- • Limitations and future improvements
Follow these 9 steps in order. Document your progress as you go. All 3D work is completed in Blender.
Understand Your Object
Tool: Pencil & paper
- • Are you making a stamp or a page embosser?
- • What brand mark will appear on paper? (logo, symbol, initials, or type)
- • How will it be held or pressed?
Key difference: Stamps need raised elements. Embossers need raised and recessed areas that press into paper.
Deliverable: Quick sketches showing front view, side view, and how it is used.
Design Your 2D Brand Mark
Tool: Illustrator / Inkscape / Figma
- • Design your brand mark — keep it simple, high-contrast, with no extremely thin lines
- • For stamps: the design must be mirrored before it is applied to the model
- • Save as SVG or DXF for import into Blender
Build Your Block-Out Model
Tool: Blender — Object Mode
- • Import your 2D brand mark into Blender
- • Use basic mesh primitives to establish the overall form and scale of your object
- • Place the brand mark on the stamp face or embosser plate
Goal: Correct size and overall shape only. Do not detail yet.
Refine Your Model (Watertight)
Tool: Blender — Edit Mode & Modifiers
- • Clean edges and smooth transitions
- • Even wall thickness throughout
- • Correct depth for embossing or stamping
Specifications:
- • Wall thickness: 2–3 mm
- • Raised logo height: 1–2 mm
- • No floating or overlapping geometry
Watertight means: No holes, gaps, or open surfaces anywhere in the model.
Check & Close the Model
Tool: Blender — 3D Print Toolbox
- • Run the 3D Print Toolbox to check for non-manifold edges, thin faces, and intersecting geometry
- • Confirm the model is one solid object with all parts connected
- • Ensure it sits flat on the build plate
Deliverable: Export as .STL — apply all modifiers before exporting
Slice the Model
Tool: Cura / PrusaSlicer / Bambu Studio
Specifications:
- • Material: PLA
- • Layer height: 0.2 mm
- • Infill: 15–20%
- • Supports: OFF (unless necessary)
- • Build plate adhesion: Brim (optional)
The slicer converts your .STL into printer instructions (.gcode).
Print Your Prototype
Tool: Your 3D Printer
- • Load PLA filament
- • Level the build plate if required
- • Start the print and watch the first few layers
Expect 30 minutes to 2 hours. If the print fails, stop, adjust settings, and reprint. Failure is part of prototyping!
Test the Object
Tool: Ink pad, paper, camera
- • For Stamps: Apply ink, test on paper, check clarity and pressure
- • For Embossers: Press into paper, check depth and alignment
- • Photograph results
Reflect & Iterate
Tool: Written submission
- • Does it work as intended?
- • Is the brand mark clear and readable?
- • Is it comfortable to use?
Deliverable: Write a short reflection covering: material choice, print quality, and what you would improve in version 2.
- ✕Designing details too small to print clearly
- ✕Forgetting to mirror stamp designs before applying the mark to the model
- ✕Walls that are too thin (under 2 mm) — use the Solidify modifier to ensure consistent thickness
- ✕Not running the 3D Print Toolbox check before exporting
- ✕Printing before verifying scale in the slicer — Blender exports in metres by default unless scene units are set to millimetres
| Step | Software | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Illustrator, Inkscape, or Figma | Design the 2D brand mark (export as SVG/DXF) |
| 3–5 | Blender | All 3D modelling, refinement, geometry checks, and STL export |
| 6 | Cura, PrusaSlicer, or Bambu Studio | Slice the model for printing |
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