Virtox’s Adjustable Quark Jewelry

By on July 17th, 2013 in Design

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We’re looking at Virtox’s Quark Jewelry as shown on their MixeeLabs page. While it appears to be merely 3D prints for a geometric jewelry piece, there’s more to the story. It’s highly adjustable. 
 
This is a perfect example of the flexibility of mathematical design. By hitting the “Explore” tab, you’ll see a number of sliders that permit you to visually experiment with the jewelry shape. Each slider corresponds to a numerical factor used in a hidden equation that generates the 3D model. By tweaking one factor, the 3D model changes, subtly or dramatically. 
 
“Virtox” is the pseudonym of designer Stijn van der Linden, who markets a large number of beautiful 3D printed items on several sites. van der Linden uses this technique to produce some of his other non-modifiable designs available on Shapeways. 
 
Some designers push, pull, bend and stretch shapes to produce 3D models; others, like van der Linden use mathematics. 
 

By Kerry Stevenson

Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has written over 8,000 stories on 3D printing at Fabbaloo since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!