3D printing and orchids
 

I've noticed that there aren't many orchid designs out there for 3D printing(actually just phals), so I've been trying to make some but have run into a road block: the flowers.

Since I can import images into Rhino(modeling program I use), I was wondering if anyone could draw some outlines of orchid flowers(parts of the floral structure have to be separted in order to work well) so I can use them as a guide/start point for making the different parts.

Example of outline I found:Attachment 124548

If someone(or someones) could do this for me, I would be very happy:)

I can't help you, but what an awesome idea, paint-your-own quality orchid figures... I'd want a few!

Maybe in some texts on orchid biology?

I didn't think of that, thanks.

Also, the 3D printer filament we use at school is colored(and biodegradable). So I can print colored orchids without having to color them(although coloring your own is fun).

Google Pictures of dissected orchids:

Google

Hopefully this is helpful to your endeavor. Good luck!

Thanks Leafmite :)

Started work on lepanthes tsubotae model:

Attachment 125241
It's going to take a while.

Some of the orchids in IOSPE (Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia, Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia) are represented only by line drawings, because the proprietor Jay Pfahl could not find photos. They are sporadic and the only way I know to find them is by random chance. If you find some of those, perhaps you could write to Jay and see whether it is possible to get permission to use them. Of course, they are available for your personal, non-commercial use

I finished making a paph flower
Attachment 125479

I printed the paph flower
(Will post pic soon)

Here it is:
Attachment 125624
This is actually the third one that was printed(the other two are much smaller).

Oddly enough, the plastic filament smells like maple syurp when it is melted.