🤗 Community Spotlight: 3D-Printing The Astro Mascot!

Taking a quick break from our usual AI programming—today we’re spotlighting one of our community members, Brad Luther, who brought our Astro mascot to life… in 3D.

Using tools like Leonardo.ai and a Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro, Brad created a custom 3D printable version of our mascot from scratch. We love seeing creativity like this from our audience and wanted to share Brad’s process in case you want to try it too!

Check out his step-by-step instructions below, and if you have questions, reach out to Brad on LinkedIn.

🧑‍🚀 How to Create a 3D Printable Mascot

1. Generate the Image with Leonardo.ai

1. Go to Leonardo.ai and log in.

2. Select “Image Generation” from the sidebar or homepage.

3. Enter a prompt like: “A fun image of a person in a space suit with an oversized head, full body, standing in a T-pose, plain background.”

4. Adjust the settings as needed:

   • Select an appropriate preset style

   • Set the image dimensions (e.g., 896x512)

   • Choose the number of images to generate (e.g., 4)

5. Click the "Generate" button and wait for the results.

6. Once the images are generated, select the best one and download it.

2. Convert the 2D Image to a 3D Model

1. Go to a 3D model generation tool like 3d.csm.ai or huggingface.co/spaces/jiawei011/dreamgaussian.

2. Upload your downloaded image from Leonardo.ai.

3. Click on "Generate 3D Model" or a similar option.

4. Wait for the 3D model to be created (this may take a few minutes to hours, depending on the tool).

5. Once complete, download the 3D model file (usually in OBJ or GLB format).

3. Prepare the 3D Model for Printing

1. Download and install Blender from blender.org.

2. Open Blender and import your 3D model file (File > Import > choose the appropriate format).

3. Scale and position the model as needed.

4. Check for and fix any mesh issues (non-manifold edges, holes, etc.).

5. Add supports if necessary for 3D printing.

6. Export the model as an STL file (File > Export > STL).

4. Prepare for 3D Printing

1. Open your 3D printer's slicing software (compatible with FlashForge Adventure 5M Pro).

2. Import the STL file you created in Blender.

3. Adjust the print settings:

   • Set the appropriate layer height

   • Choose the infill percentage

   • Add supports if needed

   • Aelect the correct material (e.g., PLA, ABS)

4. Generate the G-code file for your printer.

5. Print the Model

1. Transfer the G-code file to your FlashForge Adventure 5M Pro 3D printer.

2. Load the appropriate filament.

3. Start the print and monitor the process.

4. Once complete, carefully remove the printed model from the build plate.

5. Remove any supports and perform any necessary post-processing (sanding, painting, etc.).