Lee
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Post by Lee on Feb 29, 2004 4:21:45 GMT 1
At the Pomona show I saw a process that was three dimentional printing using cornstarch and water. The object is drawn in three dimension in a computer. Then the computer, which thinks it is a solid object slices it up into thin slices. The slices are then feed to a printer which prints one layer on top of the last. It takes about one hour to print (build) something an inch high. I was told that other material could be used other than cornstarch.
The finished products on display were architectural type models showing the interiors with furniture. Could have some very interesting uses in making models of vehicles.
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Post by Christian on Feb 29, 2004 18:02:10 GMT 1
I have been following the developments in that area with much interest lately and there is a variety of processes that all lead to similar results.
I see two problems for the application on 1/87 scale models. The actual printing (or eroding) process is automated, but the building of a digital 3d model is a pain. Anyone who has seen how a CAD program works can relate to that.
Secondly, as you describe, it is a method to generate architectural models ... flat surfaces, 90° angles etc. Making a car model with curved surfaces is much more complicated.
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Post by cfesmire on Mar 1, 2004 1:15:23 GMT 1
Interesting concept. I'm sure we have all seen the 3d puzzles that are on the market made of heavy cardboard (not the corrugated stuff) and had the pleasure of conversing with the originator of some. It is similar in design (layering a 3d drawing on the computer and transferring it to a real object) but the construction process is much different of course. I doubt very much, if any automobile design work today is done without first rendering on the computer. It is very easy and cheap to fix mistakes with a keystroke.
Recently I witnessed a process by which the computer directed a router to sculpt away portions of a large piece of dense foam to create an automobile model (CAD/CAM)
As for CAD programs, I use a CAD program for renderings for my furniture/cabinet business and although difficult to learn, once learned, they are very easy to use over object oriented software.
BTW, I am not, by any means, a computer geek, so none of this keyboard stuff comes easy.
Lee, any idea what type of printer is used in the process?
Chester
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Post by Christian on Mar 1, 2004 1:27:50 GMT 1
As for CAD programs, I use a CAD program for renderings for my furniture/cabinet business and although difficult to learn, once learned, they are very easy to use over object oriented software. But can you draw a vehicle with that program?  Or more precisely, how long would it take you? |
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Lee
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Post by Lee on Mar 1, 2004 1:40:38 GMT 1
Lee, any idea what type of printer is used in the process? Chester The name of the printer never came up in the conversation but we were told we could buy the system for $28,000 ;D It would have to be something where the bed dropped down a fracion at every pass. As far as doing curves, there was a model of a smooth spiral on display so curves did not seem to be a problem. There was another system that we looked at years ago that used a lazer in a vacuum box with dust to recreate something to any size. We thought about reducing our 1/87 to N scale but the cost was to much per vehicle, at least for our size of production. |
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Post by cfesmire on Mar 2, 2004 1:38:01 GMT 1
Christian,
For me to learn how to draw a vehicle would take me a very long time. As I said, I am not an expert and my own drawing skills on the computer are very rudimentary but some of the sample drawings are of train locomotives so imagine it is entirely possible.
Chester
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Lee
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Posts: 1,899
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Post by Lee on Mar 2, 2004 20:35:40 GMT 1
I suspect that already available drawings can be scanned into the CAD program and worked with from there. Why reinvent the wheel ;D
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Post by Christian on Mar 2, 2004 20:45:52 GMT 1
What I am trying to say is that, regardless of modern conveniences, to make digital drawings is probably the most long-winded and expensive part in the construction of a 1/87 scale model. Printers print for you, but real people sit in front of the computers trying to get 'that angle' right.
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Post by cfesmire on Mar 2, 2004 23:34:05 GMT 1
I posted, some time ago, some sites (Link Project) that are primarily used by gamers. That is software developers that write games. The focus of these sites were for automobile games and they are filled with literally hundreds of 3d drawings already made with walkaround software you can easily download. I would imagine that someone with the proper computer skills could do something in the realm of what we're talking about.
Chester
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Post by Christian on Mar 2, 2004 23:49:31 GMT 1
Do we know anyone with "the proper computer skills"? I would love to try, but the programs and machines are pretty expensive. A decent CAD/CNC system (computer and milling machine) for hobby use is at about 5000 Euros ... not unobtainable but I am not crazy enough to invest in such a thing (yet).
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Lee
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Post by Lee on Mar 3, 2004 0:04:46 GMT 1
We all noticed the (yet) ;D
Do you know if the milling part is lazer or machine?
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Post by Christian on Mar 3, 2004 0:24:19 GMT 1
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Post by cfesmire on Mar 3, 2004 0:26:27 GMT 1
I scoured around and managed to find a message board for these guys. Following is a link that is a three page tutorial of what goes into the making of a 3d drawing. The subject is a Lamborghini Miura (oddly enough my current project) and although the text is rather Greek to me, the pictures are very interesting. I use a program called Turbo-Cad for my drawings. It cost me $300.00 U.S. and since I learned how to use it (I repeat- rudimentarily) it not only has helped my presentations to customers, but has given me many hours of, quite frankly, fun! Beg pardon, forgot to post link earlier: smcars.nd4spdworld.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1403 |
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Lee
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Post by Lee on Mar 3, 2004 0:36:49 GMT 1
This looks more like engraving than three demensional milling. |
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Lee
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Posts: 1,899
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Post by Lee on Mar 5, 2004 5:09:41 GMT 1
Anyone wishing to pursue this, the company that had the booth was: Carpe Diem, 3820 Valley Blvd., Unit D, Walnut, Ca. 91789. Phone: 909-598-7230 Fax: 909-444-9960 They do not have a website. On their card they list Supplies: scale model parts, drafting and art supplies, architectual books. Services: digital priniting and laminating, laser cutting and engraving, 3D printing, milling and digitizing.
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Or more precisely, how long would it take you?