3D-printed Catalan wireframe polyhedra (Photo: Laura Taalman)
Have you ever held a Pentagonal Hexecontahedron in your hands? What about a Disdyakis Triacontahedron? Probably not. These abstract geometrical shapes have been nearly impossible to create in three dimensions—until now.
Spend an afternoon watching and learning as mathematician and 3D designer Laura Taalman gives a 3D-printing demonstration and explains the process of transforming mathematical ideas into beautiful objects that you can touch and feel.
Whether you are a 3D-printing novice or a seasoned designer, you'll come away with a better understanding of the many design programs available to create 3D-printable files, such as Mathematica, MeshLab, TopMod, Tinkercad, Blender, and Grasshopper. Pick up tips on how to begin creating your own 3D design files, tune up your existing design skills, or just enjoy watching abstract mathematics transformed into another dimension!
Taalman is an author and professor of mathematics at James Madison University where she founded the Math/Stat MakerLab and 3-SPACE, the first general education 3D-printing classroom in the country.
