Making a 3D hologram is easier than you think. With a simple smartphone and a few pieces of plastic, you can turn a common two-dimensional image into a 3D figure in your living room - or in the palm of your hand. All you need is some materials you have at home and 30 minutes of time.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Creating a Model
Step 1. Get the materials you need
You can find most of them in your home. For example, you probably have some old plastic CD packaging on hand. You'll also need tape or glue, graph paper, a pen, ruler, and a smartphone.
Step 2. Trace the dimensions of the model on the graph paper
This part of the project is dedicated to the hologram projector. The base of the projector will be shaped like a rhombus when all the pieces are joined together.
- A rhombus is a parallelogram. It has four equal sides parallel in pairs of twos, and two diagonals that intersect at right angles.
- You need to make a pattern to form the sides of this two-dimensional figure, which will be the projector of your hologram. The final shape of the projector resembles a small flat-tipped pyramid.
Step 3. Use pen and ruler to draw lines on graph paper
Align the ruler with the lines of the paper. The dimensions of the shape to be made are 1 cm at the top, 3.5 cm at the sides and 6 cm at the base. Draw the lines and connect them to complete the shape.
- The final shape should look like an isosceles trapezoid. In other words, the pattern is similar to a flat-tipped pyramid.
- If you want to make a larger model, you can double or triple the size of each side. For example, if you wanted to double the size, it would become 2 x 7 x 12 cm. This step can help you increase the size of the hologram. With a smaller model the hologram is of better quality, but you can choose its size. Just make sure you stick to the same proportions.
Step 4. Cut out the shape from graph paper
Cut along the lines as precisely as possible, making sure they aren't crooked or jagged. You can use scissors if you wish, but with a utility knife you will be more precise. Use the tool of your choice.
Part 2 of 3: Creating the Projector Screen
Step 1. Prepare the CD package by removing unnecessary materials
Cut the sides with a utility knife. You only need the plastic front cover, which will be the material used for the projector screen. If the package is dusty, clean it with a glass cleaner. The cleaner and more transparent the plastic, the clearer the hologram will be.
Don't worry if the plastic has scratches. It doesn't really matter, but try to find packages that don't show any marks
Step 2. Trace the pattern on the CD packaging
Try to orient it so that you can draw it four times in the plastic. Also rotate it in the opposite direction, so that you have two models straight and two upside down. You'll need four parts to build the projector, and it's easier to cut them out of the same piece of plastic - especially if you don't have many CD packs available.
If you've increased the size of the model, you probably won't be able to cut four pieces of plastic out of a single box. In that case you will need more packs
Step 3. Cut out the templates from the plastic of the CD package
With your utility knife, follow the lines you drew. Use the ruler as a guide to cut straight. Line up the blade with the drawn lines and press the ruler firmly to keep the plastic from moving. Trace the lines several times with the blade until you have cut the package. When you are done, you should have four pieces of plastic in the shape of the model.
If you have removed the sides of the CD packaging, cutting the templates will be easier because you will be able to press the plastic better
Part 3 of 3: Creating the Hologram
Step 1. Use tape or glue to join the patterns
Line up two side by side. Then put some ribbon at the top and bottom where the sides meet. Make sure the tape overlaps both ends of the pattern so that it stops snugly. Then, tape both remaining pieces in the same way. At this point, all four pieces of plastic should be joined with tape.
You can glue the pieces together instead of fixing them with tape. This process takes longer, because the glue needs to dry
Step 2. Shape the figure
Place the pieces standing on their lower base. Fold them at the points tied with the ribbon to create corners at each edge. Then use more tape to secure the two free sides and close the shape. This is your projector. It should look like a pyramid with a flat tip.
Step 3. Play a simple video or moving image with your smartphone
Some ideas are a swimming fish or a flower that sways in the wind. Use a screensaver-like image or a simple video. The figure you choose will be the one projected as a hologram.
Step 4. Place the holographic projector on the smartphone screen
Place it with the smallest part (1cm) towards the phone. The opposite side should be 6 cm and should be in the shape of a rhombus. If the image on the smartphone is still moving, you should see a 3D hologram projected.
Advice
- Press hard with the utility knife to make a clean cut.
- Use the ruler as a guide when cutting.
- Use a simple moving image with one or two focal points. Overly complicated illustrations do not project well.
Warnings
- Be careful not to cut yourself.
- If you are under 12, ask for adult supervision to use the utility knife.
