TRIPLEX MODEL SHOE
This project entails producing a 1:1 ratio, 3D model replica of a shoe, out of triplex board. Attention to detail, neatness and ability to manipulate cardboard accurately into a 3D form are key skills utilized in this project.
Activity 1: Full Model Shoe
The Process
The production of this 3D triplex shoe was a cyclical process of trial and error, before progress was achieved. I created templates of the various sections of the shoe using masking tape, which I then transferred onto paper. Using these templates and a scalpel blade I cut the triplex board into accurately sized and shaped segments. Using super glue and clear adhesive glue I assembled these triplex cutouts together, starting with the sole and then the top part of the shoe. I added fine details such as stitching, seams, laces and sole patterns to the top and bottom parts before securing them together. Finally cleaning up and neatening of the shoe, along with final details were implemented, and so a successful and accurate model was achieved.
Activity 2: Triplex half shoe model
This section of the project entailed creating a 3D replica of half of our chosen shoe out of triplex at a 1:1 ratio. A great deal of emphasis was placed on the internal geometry and space within the half shoe replica, whilst maintaining details and exterior form.
The Process
The production of the triplex half shoe was considerably easier to do and far less time consuming. I re-used the shoe templates I created for my full shoe, for my half shoe. I cut 2 of each shoe segment out of triplex and scored the sides that would be glued together. I then used contact adhesive glue to glue the 2 identically cut pieces of triplex together, and I then bent the glued triplex pieces into the correct form and held them until the glue hardened and the triplex held the correct form. I then used superglue to assemble the pieces and construct the half shoe. Finally, I cleaned up rough edges, neatened up the appearance and added fine details.
Activity 3: Triplex shoe tooling block
The final section of this project required an extensive amount of time and critical thinking. The tooling block is a mirrored image of our chosen shoe in a box, with the function of being able to accurately replicate our shoe if it were to be used as a mold. This mold is a sectional imprint, in a block with 50mm space around all sides of the imprint.
The process
This final section of the triplex project was continuous trial and error, with the errors being plentiful. Firstly, I took time planning and considering how to execute this model. I used the templates I created for the full shoe, by placing them on the triplex and drawing 3mm larger than the template. this allowed me to create triplex pieces that fit around my actual shoe. I cut 2 of each enlarged shoe segment out of triplex and scored the sides that would be glued together. I then used contact adhesive glue to glue the 2 identically cut pieces of triplex together, which I then bent around my actual shoe to achieve the correct form for my mold. I then superglued these pieces together around my actual shoe, so as to achieve the correct shape for my mold. I then cut the face of my tooling block and attached the mold to the face. Next, I built the box for my tooling block and attached the face and mold to the box. Finally, I neatened my model and added final details to achieve a clean and accurate finish.
The full shoe, the half shoe and the tooling block
Real world Context
