Projects
Open HMC
Creator: Martijn Clemenkowff
Development of a more accessible custom fitted head-mounted camera system for facial animation research using 3D printing and composite materials.
Tools
- Autodesk Fusion 360
- 3D printer
- Needle nose pliers
- Scissors
- Utility knife
- Dremel 4250 with Flexible Shaft
- Abrasive paper and pads (120 through 1200 grit)
- Latex gloves, mixing pots, mixing sticks
- Laminating brushes (12mm)
Materials and components
- Super glue
- 4 M6 bolts and nuts
- 2/2 Twill 3k Carbon fibre cloth
- EL2 laminating epoxy (inc. AT30 Fast Hardener)
- XCR Coating Resin (inc. Hardener)
- PVA mould release agent
- Peel ply
- Spray adhesive
- EVA foam
- 2 ARRI Rosettes
Head scanning
Based on a 3D head scan made with an iPhone 12, a close fitting helmet was modelled in Fusion 360. More details on this process will follow. The helmet contours were designed to closely follow the head and then a 5mm offset was applied to allow for foam lining.
3D printing the mold
A two part split mold was 3D printed on a Prusa MK3S+ in four sections in PETG because of the material’s release properties making separation of the mold from the carbon fiber component easier later on.
Printer settings
Parts were printed at both 5% and 20% infill. 5% infill makes print time considerably more managable, but part strength might prove unacceptable for processes like vacuum bagging.
Hand laminating carbon fiber
Future of the project
This project inspired the development of a complete modular HMC ecosystem, and thus has since been absorbed into the One HMC project, which is beyond the scope of this open-source documentation. Finding clear weight limitations with off-the-shelf components, a considerably lighter camera arm system was developed. Together with a Dutch motion capture studio, we are now developing the first tethered stereo HMC within this One HMC ecosystem. Further interest was shown from two Dutch universities. When the tethered system has found sufficient early adoption, further development will be directed at a proprietary adjustable helmet and talent-worn (wireless) recording hardware.
Additional information
- Short Name: #OpenHMC
- Created on: April 15, 2023
- Last update: November 10, 2023
Keywords