Cadalyst - February 2008 - (Page 39)

mcadmodeling molding. A lot of companies use the technology to quickly visualize device designs without having to paint the models. They build their models with a powder held together with a binder agent and an infiltrant, and that’s primarily why it can handle the color. The print heads are very much like those in your ink-jet printer. This technology is Figure 2. Z Corp. has the unique capabilvery cool. The resolution is fair, but the ity of modeling in whatever combination texture is granular. of colors you want. A new company on the block is trying to position itself to mainstream RP. It is Desktop Factory ($4,995, figure 3). Its machine is one of the smallest I have seen (a cube of approximately two feet). It won’t make the largest of parts in one piece, but it can create models as large as 5 cubic inches. Its resolution tops out at .010-inch layers, so it’s also not going to make extremely small parts. What’s it good for, then? As the technology improves, so will the resolution and the price. Desktop Factory says that when it gets fully up and running in production, its price might fall to roughly $1,000. At that point, I know I’m going to buy Figure 3. The Desktop Factory’s low price one. And why would anyone want one (and future lower price) has the potential of these things for their home? Why, to of bringing RP technology into the home. print off whatever your little heart desires, of course! The Internet hosts many free or low-cost 3D model libraries. Imagine downloading a model and printing out a model kit or maybe that pesky battery door that you lost off the TV remote. What a Figure 4. If you want to go all DIY, you can download plans and parts lists for the Fab@Home Fabber and build your own RP machine. blast this technology would be! Z Corp. (approximately $25,000) For the adventurous DIYers among entered the low-cost RP market a few us, the Fab@Home Fabber ($2,400, years back and has done quite well. It figure 4) is an open-source project has a unique claim to fame that anyone to supply all the materials needed for can appreciate: Its machines can print in anyone who wants to build an RP multiple colors on the same RP model machine. It’s an ambitious project, but (figure 2). This capability lets you model Fab@Home is doing it. As you might in graphics or show such things as over- expect, the resolution isn’t going to be great, but Fab@Home has an advantage most of the others companies don’t — they can use all sorts of common materials. Some people make their models out of chocolate, for crying out loud! If you’ve got the bucks and a mechanical bent, why not give this thing a try? I’d bet you’d be the first kid on your block to have one. Another technology to look at is subtractive rapid prototyping. The aforementioned units are classified as additive because they add each layer to build the model. A subtractive prototyper essentially is a computer numerical controlled (CNC) mill. Several are available on the market. Roland makes some very good machines that range in price from $2,995 to $4,995. The upside is definitely the surface finish and resolution. These machines probably are the best of the bunch. The downside to subtractive technologies is that either you design parts that can be cut all at once or you’re going to have to perform multiple setups. The Ever-Growing Game Other units besides what I’ve mentioned are available. One even models in sugar (diabetics beware!). What are people doing with them? Doctors are using RP to build bones for prosthetics that fit better than ever. And chefs are using RP to make wonderful decorations and food combinations never before possible. You could do what I want to do — design and build your own plastic model kits. In effect, low-cost RP technology has many uses. You’re limited only by your imagination. c Mike Hudspeth, IDSA, is an industrial designer, artist, and author based in St. Louis, Missouri. Sound Off! Communicate with your peers about a wide variety of MCAD-related topics on the Cadalyst MCAD Discussion Forum at http://forums.cadalyst.com/. Registration is free. Sign up today! www.cadalyst.com | cadalyst | February 2008 39 http://forums.cadalyst.com/ http://www.cadalyst.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Cadalyst - February 2008

Cadalyst - February 2008 Contents Editor's Window CAD Central Tech Trends More than Meets the Eye — A Look at Today's CAD Viewers IronCAD v10 — 3D Modeling Software AcceliArch with AcceliCAD — Add-In Architectural Drawing and Modeling Software CAD Manager MCAD Modeling AEC Insight CAD Cartoon Issue Indexes Hot Tip Harry

Cadalyst - February 2008

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