“Vessels” is a series of containers derived from electrocardiogram (ECG) waveforms. Watching the pieces print (see video link below) or viewing the finished pieces from the top allows you to see the various components of the ECG waveform. The “R” wave creates the most visible texture on the outside, the “S” wave creates the most visible texture on the inside. The “P”, “Q”, and “T” waves are present but smaller and less visible.

Each inner and outer “bump” represents one heartbeat. In this way, each piece represents a certain number of heartbeats and minutes of life. Each bowl represents 960 heartbeats (16 minutes of life), the tall cylindrical container represents 2400 heartbeats (40 minutes of life), and the tall vase represents 3200 heartbeats (53 minutes of life).

This project was inspired by a loved one who recently underwent cardiac surgery.

See here for video: https://youtu.be/VjDSEqGhly0

These vessels are designed and printed using FullControl Gcode Designer (https://fullcontrolgcode.com/). In order to print these projects as shown you will need to have some experience with FullControl Gcode Designer and be comfortable splicing gcode. Once you get it up and running you can change the parameters to modify the appearance of the ECG wave and the dimensions of the container.

This is an advanced project! Here is a suggested order of tasks followed by some specific considerations for each type of container.

1. Slice the appropriate base in your preferred slicer using settings appropriate to your hardware.
2. Import the gcode into a gcode editor such as Repetier Host.
3. Set-up the ECG container walls using the appropriate FullControl Gcode spreadsheet
4. You will need to adjust XCenter and YCenter so that the walls line up with the base.
5. You will need to adjust the Zoffset so that the walls begin printing an appropriate distance from the top of the base.
6. If your gcode is in absolute extrusion mode, you will need to change it to relative extrusion mode before the walls begin to print. (M83)
7. Always remember to preview your gcode before printing!

Specific considerations

For the “Bowl,” adjust “RadiusRipple” to be 1mm less than the radius of your selected 80, 90 or 100mm diameter base. The “Cylinder” and “Vase” are optimized to be printed on a 25mm radius base, but this can be changed to suit your preferences.