We are developing a series of tactile relief specimens for a museum exhibit designed to allow visually impaired visitors to explore organisms through touch. Each specimen will function like a raised relief medallion or large coin, where the organism is modeled as a raised form emerging from a circular base plate. These pieces will be 3D printed in nylon using SLS and then installed in a museum reader rail system where they will be touched frequently by visitors. Because of this, the models must be durable, tactilely readable, and optimized for 3D printing. We need 5 tactile relief specimens modeled: 1) Brine Fly 2) Brine Shrimp 3) Burrowing Owl 4) Jackrabbit 5) Pickleweed We will start with one specimen as a paid test. Once approved, the same freelancer will be contracted to complete the remaining four. -- All specimens must be modeled onto a provided base plate model. We will supply the base plate in 3ds Max, OBJ, or another file type as needed. The base plate includes mounting geometry that must not be modified. Base Plate has a diameter of 76.2 mm and a height of 10mm. Every specimen must use this exact base plate model as its starting geometry. All specimens will be the same overall size and format. For each specimen we will provide a layout template mockup showing: - Intended orientation - Organism positioning on the base plate - Final footprint - 2-4 photographic reference images of the organism These materials should be used as guides when modeling. -- These are tactile reliefs, not decorative sculptures. The model must be optimized for: - Tactile readability - Durability - Successful SLS printing - Repeated public handling Models should follow these principles: 1. Relief-style modeling: The organism should appear as a raised relief emerging from the base plate, similar to a coin or medallion. Avoid full freestanding sculptures. 2. Avoid fragile features: Because these will be handled constantly by visitors, forms should remain structurally robust. Models must avoid: - Thin appendages - Delicate protrusions - Deep undercuts - Fragile cantilevers - Unsupported geometry 3. Simplify for tactile clarity: Fine visual details that do not improve tactile understanding should be simplified. The form should be easy to interpret through touch. 4. Smooth integration into base plate: The organism geometry should blend naturally into the base plate rather than appearing glued on. Transitions should be smooth and structurally sound. The models will be produced using SLS Nylon 3D Printing. After printing, the parts will receive a clear protective coating to improve durability. The geometry must be appropriate for SLS manufacturing and long-term durability. -- Deliverables For each specimen, provide: 1) Print-ready STL 2) Editable source file from your 3D modeling software -- The project will proceed in two phases: Phase 1 - Test Specimen Model one specimen first. We will review the model for: - Tactile readability - Durability - Geometry quality - Adherence to reference materials Once approved, we will proceed to Phase 2. Phase 2 - Remaining Specimens: Model the remaining 4 specimens using the same standards. Consistency across the series will be important. -- Ideal Freelancer We are looking for someone experienced in: - 3D modeling for 3D printing - Creating print-ready STL fi les - Relief / bas-relief modeling - Designing objects for durability and handling - Interpreting reference imagery into simplified geometry When Applying Please begin your proposal with the phrase: "I understand these are tactile relief specimens.": Please include: - Examples of 3D print-ready models - Examples of relief or medallion style modeling (if available) - Your modeling software - Estimated time to complete one specimen - Estimated rate per specimen -- In-depth documentation can be found here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1yH87dUf0VA7apLfeNmFDfwmFCsRl5eAS&usp=drive_fs Please answer... 1) How do you check whether an STL is watertight and print-ready? 2) How would you balance tactile clarity versus biological accuracy?