Will machines replace Goan clay artisans? Well, they could, but that would take a few more years. But as of now, the mentors of Rapid Prototyping Lab, based at Don Bosco College of Engineering (DBCE), in Fatorda, South Goa, have made a Ganesha idol using 3D printing technology. The makhar too has been made using this technology.
Talking to Gomantak Times Digital, Siddhant Panjikar, explains that 3D printing is a new trend, and as an experiment they attempted to use technology to make the 15 cm tall idol.
Siddhant has been in the 3D printing industry for the past two years, where he uses the services to teach in schools, in start-ups and various industries.
Since everyone is in a festive mood these days, he, along with his team members Vedant Pagi, Shivraj Naik and Manjunath Shivapur, thought of making a Ganesha idol using 3D printing technology.
“In Goa, Ganesh Chaturthi is a dear festival, and people put their heart and soul into it. So, this inspiration helped our team use our knowledge of 3D printing and laser cutting machines in Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations,” says Siddhant.
Since it is made of plastic, the idol will not be venerated, but with some advancement in clay 3D printers, it will be possible to make clay 3D models in future.
IS IT SUSTAINABLE?
That’s a question anyone would ask. Well, for one, it is made of plastic, and it also takes a long time to produce the idol.
Siddhant explains that the 3D printer takes 20 hours to make a 15cm Ganesha idol, which adds to the electricity costs. The machine works for 20 hours.
In 3D printing, we have to make or buy a 3D design of the object with the help of designing software. After the final 3D design is ready, we load the 3D file in the 3D printer, which converts the model into a machine language file, after which, the printing process starts.Siddhant Panjikar
The process involves buying a 3D design online, working on software and much more.
“In 3D printing, we have to make, or buy, a 3D design of the object with the help of designing software. After the final 3D design is ready, we load the 3D file in the 3D printer, which converts the model into a machine language file, after which, the printing process starts,” explains Siddhant.
CLAY 3D PRINTERS IN THE FUTURE?
“With the current skill set of our clay sculptures, we get beautiful Ganesh idols. If we include this 3D printer technology in the making of clay Ganesh idols, we could make a more a complex idol with less human effort,” claims Siddhant, who conducts workshops on robotics, drone managing and 3D printing for students in schools and colleges.
Instead of purchasing a thermocol makhar, the team used a laser cutting machine and cardboard, Siddhant says, “Cardboard is very easy to cut, inexpensive and can be given for recycling.”
He adds, "It was Fr Kinley D'Cruz, Director of DBCE; and Principal Neena SP Panandikar who helped us in our journey."
While 3D printing technology was successfully used to create a plastic Ganesh idol, it will be just a matter of time before these idols are made of clay, resembling those made the traditional way.