Cadalyst - May 2008 - (Page 35)

industrytrends matic or sharply faceted parts because too many points are captured. The relative simplicity of the laser technique and its ability to quickly digitize a large object accurately with good resolution has made laser scanners increasingly popular for RE purposes. Laser-scanner products are available as complete systems or as self-contained measuring heads for mounting to standard touch-probe arms or customized mechanical fixtures (figure 2). One of the only significant disadvantages of point-cloud scanning is that there is more clean up required. This is because of the number of points captured for transforming the point cloud into something useful for modeling purposes. When point-cloud data is imported into a CAD product, the scanned shapes act as reference geometry for sketching, ultimately becoming solid models. Hybrid systems. In an effort to maximize the advantages of touch-probe and laser-based systems, dual-capability systems are emerging that provide turnkey products with complementary capabilities. These instruments have both a contact probe and a laser head that can be used simultaneously. For example, broad areas can be quickly scanned using a laser device mounted on the articulating arm, and features on the object that might pose problems for the laser can be digitized by contact. In other words, all bases are (literally) covered. Usually, collecting an object’s data is the easiest part of any RE process. Normally, most scanning only requires a few seconds or a few minutes. On the other hand, manipulating that scanned data can be quite time consuming and labor intensive. However, scanned-data–manipulation techniques are rapidly improving and becoming much more time and cost effective. Free Parametric 3D CAD/CAM Personal CAD/CAM That You Own Take Charge Now Introducing Alibre Design™ and Alibre CAM™, a new generation of fully integrated 3D parametric CAD/CAM products that are easy to use, powerful and affordable enough for anyone. If you are a design engineer creating mechanical products or a machinist making parts, Alibre products have what you need to get the job done, including complete parametric design, “push-pull” direct editing, and integrated 2½ to 5-axis CNC machining. Join the growing number of savvy customers that have discovered why Alibre is the future of CAD/ CAM. Our products simply work and cost a fraction of the price of competitive products. They’re easier to use because we focus on streamlining the features everyone uses, not the bells and whistles that appeal to only a few. Skeptical? Put us to the test. Download your free copies of Alibre Design and Alibre CAM today, and go with the industry’s fastest growing 3D CAD/CAM software. TM What’s Next? Advancements in RE software and hardware will continue to drive the convergence of physical and digital design, allowing a true concept part to move through digital art to production-part methodology and workflow. Look for the integration and the capabilities of RE to continue to evolve and become more comprehensive, not to mention even more affordable and easier to use. If you thought sophisticated RE capabilities were beyond your means or your budget, think again. It’s more affordable and easier to implement than you think, and that might very well provide the compelling reason for finally switching from 2D to 3D as you start and end the entire process and workflow with 3D physical parts. RE is finally getting the respect it is due. Cadalyst contributing editor Jeffrey Rowe is the principal of Cairowest Group, an independent industrial design, mechanical engineering and technical communication consulting firm with offices in Colorado and Michigan. You can reach him by e-mail at jrowe@cairowest.com or by phone at 719.221.1867. www.alibre.com 877-525-4273 The Personal CAD/CAM Company TM ©2008 Alibre Inc. All rights reserved. Alibre CAM and Alibre Design are trademarks of Alibre Inc. May 2008 cadalyst www.cadalyst.com http://www.alibre.com http://www.cadalyst.com

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

Cadalyst - May 2008 Contents Editor's Window Cad Central A Solid Job in AutoCAD Today’s Power — Quad-Core Workstations Performance — Tomorrow’s Possibilities Reverse Engineering an Antique Italian Treasure Trends in Reverse Engineering NextEngine 3D Scanner — Reverse-Engineering Tool Setting CAD Standards Fight for Your Hardware Rights The Jack and Jill of Ergonomics Technology for Civil Infrastructure Cad Cartoon Issue Indexes Shortcuts and Solutions

Cadalyst - May 2008

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