Sculplexity: Sculptures of Complexity using 3D printing

TL;DR

This paper presents a method to convert models of complex systems into 3D printable sculptures, automating the process and considering printing limitations, with applications in research, education, outreach, and accessibility.

Contribution

It introduces an automated approach to transform complex system models into 3D printed objects without manual CAD design, accommodating printing constraints.

Findings

Successfully printed a 3D model of a modified forest fire system

Automated conversion process reduces manual design effort

Potential applications in education, outreach, and accessibility

Abstract

We show how to convert models of complex systems such as 2D cellular automata into a 3D printed object. Our method takes into account the limitations inherent to 3D printing processes and materials. Our approach automates the greater part of this task, bypassing the use of CAD software and the need for manual design. As a proof of concept, a physical object representing a modified forest fire model was successfully printed. Automated conversion methods similar to the ones developed here can be used to create objects for research, for demonstration and teaching, for outreach, or simply for aesthetic pleasure. As our outputs can be touched, they may be particularly useful for those with visual disabilities.