Rapid Prototype Blog

Archive for January, 2010

3D printers have gained favor over traditional prototyping methods due to the ability of cutting the necessary production time by a considerable percentage. This technology has prototypes available for inspection and design testing the same day. The technology used in 3D printers also eliminates the need for extensive post production tooling and the technology also makes it easy to implement custom features. 3D printers are capable of producing prototypes with even the most complex design specifications. The rapid prototype technology used in 3D printers has brought prototyping capability to a completely different level of efficiency. 3D printers also have the capability of reproducing prototypes in metal, giving owners many design options never before available with rapid prototyping techniques. As 3D printers continue to advance capabilities continue to expand.

Production Process of 3D Printers

3D printers reduce the time needed to create prototypes by a considerable amount and can implement design changes in a shorter amount of time. The technology used to operate 3D printers can support post production finishing and is able to accommodate a wide variety of finishing materials. Techniques used with 3D printers are easy to use, cost effective and a time saving method for producing rapid prototypes for a number of applications. The computer assisted design program used in 3D printers builds prototypes layer by layer until a complete reproduction or prototype has been created. The process is automated during most of the production process and depending on the prototype will require little set and finishing.

The installation of 3D printers brings many advantages for the production of prototypes to the companies utilizing them. From design, testing and final production stages the technology of 3D printers has improved the speed, cost, and ease of reproducing models and prototypes. 3D printers using rapid prototype technology streamlines and coordinates the design process necessary to produce 3 dimensional models. Because 3D printers can produce actual models that can be tested by designers and engineers it helps to streamline prototype enhancements. Compared to the technology used by 3D printers, traditional techniques are time consuming, costly and have to be repeated for each step of the design process.

Fabrication Materials for 3D Printers

Advancements in 3D printers allow the production of prototypes in many other types of materials besides plastics. Using polyurethane, polyester or epoxy 3D printers can produce a number of products with a diverse menu of materials. Comparing the production 3D printers and traditional tooling rapid prototype technology is the most cost effective method. With this technology comes the additional advantage of being able to control the number of prototypes produced. With traditional manufacturing, small product orders are more expensive and prices decrease as the number of prototypes increase. But with 3D printers the cost remains low throughout the prototyping process regardless of the number of models produced.

With 3D printers and polyjet technology a number of new materials have been developed in recent years including metals. 3D printers can produce fine quality prototypes which are functional and created in accordance with specific design requirements. 3D printers can manufacture small items in gold, silver and zinc which have applications as replacement parts, jewelry or in new products. The materials being developed for 3D printers continues to expand and with the capability of computer assisted software the application, fabrication and production of prototypes using 3D printers and rapid prototyping technology continues to grow as well. Traditional time consuming and costly prototyping techniques are being replaced by 3D printers and advanced technology because of the capability, convenience and cost efficiency of production.

American prototype Marklin model trains are often only used by a small and tight knit group of enthusiasts. This is because Marklin is a German based company and usually creates trains for the European market. In general they manufacture models on a three rail track, which is something very uncommon in North America.

They have now created some model trains for the American market. They have released American themed items in the scales of HO, Z and 1. They have also released models in the N scales under the Trix brand name. Generally, you will find most HO scaled trains in North America.

In 1972, Marklin revolutionized the model railroad world with the introduction of the Z gauge. This has the scale of 1:220. These trains are known to have incredible detail and accuracy when compared to the originals. The craftsmanship is something that Marklin takes very seriously, and this has led to their popularity.

They create strong locomotives from die-cast metal and rolling stock with incredible prototype detail. Their fans and collectors seek out these trains for the small scale trains and the detail that comes with them. Besides the trains having incredible detail, the operating systems that they create are also known for their great performance.

Their systems use nickel silver rails for optimum electrical pickup. They also use color coder plug and socket wiring, and a system of plugs and sockets built into the end of each track. This ensures that the tracks are properly aligned and very reliable. It also gives the mechanical connection reliability.

Marklin has hundreds of American and European prototype trains, accessories and track extensions. This makes the manufacturer one of the most popular in the hobby and gives them the strong fan base that they have managed to hold on to for many years.

Just recently, they have released a number of new American prototypes. One of these is the HO digital UP class 4000 “Big Boy” locomotive. This is a model of the union pacific railroad heavy freight locomotive. It comes with a digital decoder and a sound generator. It has a powerful motor with a bell shaped armature and flywheel mounted in the boiler.

The model locomotive also has an articulated frame which enables it to negotiate sharp curves on the track. There are steam lines mounted to swing out and back with the cylinders. There are also a number of other finely crafted details which make this a great model to collect and have in your collection.

Marklin also have a number of kits that you can buy. They have a 45649 HO American freight 10-car set. If you are looking to add a number of cars to your collection then this is a great set to choose. They also offer individual trucks such as the Pennsylvania railroad type N5c caboose. This is a detailed truck with special wheel sets.

As you can see there are plenty of American prototype models that you can find and buy if you want to collect a range of Marklin models.

I have to go through a paper presentation shortly but i am totally confused with the topics…. could you suggest me a topic which can win me the prize. These are the topics given to us. suggest me one and tell me where could i get the whole information regarding that topic
THERMAL
1. Cryogenics
2. Computational fluid dynamics
3. Micro scale heat transfer
4. Nano scale heat transfer
5. Energy transfer
6. Non conventional energy sources
DESIGN
1. Vibrations
2. Aero dynamics/ rotor dynamics
3. Fractured diagnostics
4. Analysis in FEM
5. CAD/CAM
6. Neural networks
MANUFACTURING
1.Agile manufacturing
2.Micro machining
3.Special materials (meta materials, smart materials, share memory alloys, composites)
4.Bench marking techniques
5.Explosive forming
6.Reverse engineering
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
1. Capacity planning
2. Work study
3. Principles of Industrial organization
4. Operations research
5. Engineering optimization
6. Inventory control
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
1. Robotics
2. Nano technology
3. Rapid prototyping
4. Mechatronics
5. Advances in Automobile engineering
6. Alternative fuels

Even when a good governance structure is in place the structure of an IT project is more important than is often assumed. The structure can make estimating difficult, and make it impossible to deliver whilst retaining the confidence of the management and external stakeholders. Yet the structure is often assumed without proper debate – either with the customer or with the project team.

Many organisations and project managers still like to use the so called ‘waterfall’ method of controlling IT projects, because they believe it gives them greater commercial control, and allows fixed cost projects. This method splits up the total project into a series of logical steps : – Work out what items should be done – Estimate what these will cost. – Agree these definitions and costs. – Undertake formal design. – Build the items. – Test the items. – Deploy and use the items.

The waterfall method can appear to offer a clear logical path from inception through to completion. The commercial control supposedly occurs because the facts are determined before agreement is reached, thereby allowing the following steps to be controlled within an agreed financial framework.

If the project uses ‘well known’ technology or is very similar to previous projects then the waterfall method can be successfully used. Where there is a substantial part that is new, or uncertain some serious issues exist with this approach.

In some cases the proportion of the total project costs and time that need to be spent before sufficiently precise estimates are generated can be substantial. Clients and suppliers can disagree whether this should this be free or paid for. In many cases a messy compromise is arrived at where the costs of the business analysis and estimation will be paid for ( or at least negotiated about ) after it is decided whether the project is to be accepted.

In other cases it isn’t certain that people are good at thinking through complex systems with sufficient accuracy to make the design ‘fit for purpose’, prior to some good ‘proofs of concept’.

Quite apart from the difficulty of identifying the ‘facts’; the fixing of features up front can lead to an 80/20 split where 80% of the costs produce 20% of the benefits and vice versa. This should give most clients cause for concern.

There can also be significant change in the business requirements during a project of 2 or 3 years duration. This has encouraged the move to Rapid Application Development ( RAD )

Good estimates are difficult
It is difficult to produce good estimates. Increasing the granularity can lead to estimating safety margins being accumulated ( if say the minimum estimating unit is 1 day – then something that took 1 hour would be recorded as 1 day giving a 7 hour accumulation per task of this length).

Estimates need to be distinguished from use of historical data to give timings. But the latter need to be very carefully annotated and used to ensure they are being used properly.

Perhaps the thought that ‘estimation should be democratically controlled, and execution involve authoritarian methods rather than as often happens the other way around’; is one of the most useful maxims here.

Acceptance of the facts
It is very difficult to know the extent to which the ultimate customer actually has bought into the design and estimates being produced. There may in fact be no acceptance other than of ‘that is the way our supplier chooses to do things’ giving the opportunity for later disputes.

In some projects it can be very difficult to establish who is entitled to sign off documents as correct on behalf of the organisation. This makes any approach other than time and materials problematic.

Rapid Application Development ( RAD )
Rapid development techniques are now accepted in many cases. These methods involve using a number of iterative prototypes are built to give the customer greater control over the finished result. Thus the analysis, design, build and test sequences of the whole project is split into a number of successive cycles.

There are, however, unanswered questions about the range of IT projects for which RAD is suitable, and issues about whether all of the suggested elements of RAD are as important as one another. For instance some approaches time box 3 to 6 week periods, whilst others simply allow incremental delivery over a number of months. Yet others regard the complete incorporation of automated unit testing into the coding ( build ) stage as perhaps the most important contribution.

There are numerous variations on RAD, including pairing – where two programmers work together with one writing tests and the other writing code to satisfy those tests. There is still a real need however to prioritise the efforts.

Some of the serious criticisms of RAD are that it can allow scope creep, lack of rigour, and cost overruns. It can be particularly difficult to stop ‘gold plating’ on particular easily understood elements (e.g. the user interface) at the expense of underlying functions that are more complex and less easily explained or understood by business people ( when the latter are involved in the assessment of each iteration ).

Here again, therefore, we encounter evidence that the structure of the project can have substantial impact on the viability of the development.

There are a number of problems therefore with both traditional and RAD methods of controlling custom and or complex IT projects. Many projects would be improved if expert help and more time were spent restructuring the project at the start to help the IT supplier clarify the design choices and the IT client clarify the business requirements. Whilst this does involve an explicit acceptance that money will be spent ‘investigating’ and ‘researching’; this is actually nothing more than bringing present good practice out into the open.

Sometimes we are questioned about why someone should do a prototype of an app or a website instead of already building it. It sounds like working twice, doing a wireframe and then doing the real project, but in fact it may save you time. When you go directly to your prototype, all the changes will be done be all the team: designer, programmer, copywriter, business analysts, everyone involved. If you prototype before involving everyone deeply in the project, you can save your team a lot of time and energy.

Using Justinmind Prototyper, the information architect can create the website structure and annotate it, the user interface can create the wireframe, the designer can make it have a look and feel and the programmer can make all interactions, movements and data show. All of them could be able to do their part using Prototyper, without much fuss and work. It’s drag and drop, and by learning some basic commands and tricks, even a no-programmer can create some advanced navigation interactions.

Dividing the wireframe work

It’s easier to collaborate when everyone uses the same software and the same interface. By sharing files, no-one will be working on old files, will loose requirements or comments, and everyone may be able to do what they’re best doing.

Using concurrent licensing, a company can have literally several people working on the same project all over the world, sharing, collaborating and creating a great product.

Joining the work together

After everything’s done, the project will be a single file. It may be presented to the client, the boss, or tested with final users, just like it was a real one. The changes, modifications and requirements can be directly added by users, using Justinmind Viewer tool, Automatically Generated HTML or Justinmind OnDemand service, and the team will have all them available with some clicks. So, all modification can be registered.

After approval

That’s when you generate your documentation, with instructions to everyone involved about project requirements, steps to follow and everything required to make things really work. It’s much easier to draft and change something on a prototype and only code the final version.

Next version

Besides all this process, Justinmind Prototyper’s requirements management also controls versioning, helping business analysts to know which version and which changes correspond to which piece of software.

If you want more information about high fidelity wireframes and website prototyping, subscribe to Justinmind’s blog feed or drop us a line on twitter.

we need to compare the model ( crankshaft ) using conventional manufacturing , carpentery , and rapid prototyping and are willing to compare the results

Top manufacturers from Michigan and Indiana sent engineers and buyers to the 2007 AmCon Michigan show. Below is just a sample of some of the firms that attended last year:  AAR Mobility Systems, Access Business Group, ADAC Automotive, Altocor, American Axle & Mfg., Amway, American Seating, Behr Industries Corp., Bosch Rexroth, Brunswick Bowling, Cascade Engineering, Caterpillar, Chrysler, Cummins Bridgeway, Dart Container, Delphi Automotive, Dematic, Denso Mfg. MI, Dover Corp., Eaton Corp.,  Flexfab LLC, Ford Motor Company, GE Aviation, GM Design PPO, General Motors, Gentex Corp., Gill Industries, Harbor Industries, Hart & Cooley, Haworth, Herman Miller, Hitachi Automotive, Holland Group, Howard Miller, Howmet, Johnson Controls, Johnson Technology, L-3 Communications, LuK USA LLC, Lacks Enterprises,  Magna Donnelly, Mahle Powertrain, Newmar Corp., ODL, Inc., Parker Aerospace, Parker Hannifin, Paulstra, CRC, Pridgeon & Clay, Royal Plastics, Shape Corp., Siemans OGS, Steelcase NA, Steelcase Wood, Stryker Instruments, Stryker Medical, Symmetry Medical, TAC Manufacturing, Trane, Unisys,  and Viking Corp.

The benefits of attending a regional AmCon show are significant. The Grand Rapids, Michigan event will be held at DeVos Place on September 17-18, 2008.

According to Kati Olson, President, “We are excited to be returning to the Michigan market for this show in the fall of 2008. AmCon is the only show in Michigan specifically targeting OEM engineering and purchasing professionals who are looking for job shop and contract manufacturing services. Highly qualified prospects, often with blueprints in hand, will come from throughout Michigan, and northern Indiana.”

Engineers and buyers attending an AmCon Contract Manufacturing Expo can find one or multiple sources to take a project from concept or prototype to finished product quickly and at competitive prices. OEMs can find sources for engineering, design, prototypes, forming, fabricating, machining, finishing, assembly and electronic manufacturing services all under one roof. Whether looking for one part or production runs, attendees find multiple sources from which to choose.  AmCon offers attendees a unique opportunity to investigate a variety of manufacturing options, both new and traditional, and find the best processes and materials for specific applications. Attendees view actual samples of products that have been produced for other OEMs in their industry and can get quotes on current projects and compare quality, pricing, and lead times from multiple vendors all in a few hours. Only AmCon shows provide a “hands on” one-on-one education. Since the exhibits are staffed with top management and technical personnel, attendees have an in-depth discussion regarding project design, materials and production issues. AmCon shows are free, including seminars on a variety of manufacturing processes and quality issues.   Fall 2008 AmCon shows include Grand Rapids, MI – Sept. 17-18; Fort Lauderdale, FL – Sept. 23-24; Minneapolis, MN – Oct. 7-8; Phoenix, AZ – Oct. 14-15; Houston, TX – Oct. 29-30; Greensboro, NC – Nov. 18-19. 

Register today to attend any of these shows at: www.AmConshows.com.

AmCon

www.amconshows.com

Kati Olson, President

news@amconshows.com

978-744-7680

The benefits of attending a regional AmCon show are significant. The Grand Rapids, Michigan event will be held at DeVos Place on September 17-18, 2008. The Top 10 Reasons to attend this event are:

1.  Save valuable time.  Meet scores of the finest local and national contract manufacturers exhibiting thousands of samples of custom parts and services.

2.  See the latest in manufacturing technology.

3.  Let the manufacturing experts help solve tough design and production problems.

4.  Shorten the buying process.  Meet with top management and technical personnel staffing the booths.

5.  Get immediate action.  It is not unusual for exhibitors to fax RFQ’s to their office and have quotes back before attendees leave the show.

6.   Get quotes from several sources at once for upcoming and current projects.

7.  Compare current suppliers to see how they measure up in cost, quality, and lead time.

8.  Attend free technical seminars; sending buyers to learn about a variety of processes.

9.  Let exhibitors educate buyers.

10.  Admission to exhibits and seminars is absolutely FREE.

According to Kati Olson, President, “We are excited to be returning to the Michigan market for this show later this month. AmCon is the only show in Michigan specifically targeting OEM engineering and purchasing professionals who are looking for job shop and contract manufacturing services. Highly qualified prospects, often with blueprints in hand, will come from throughout Michigan, and northern Indiana.”

Engineers and buyers attending an AmCon Contract Manufacturing Expo can find one or multiple sources to take a project from concept or prototype to finished product quickly and at competitive prices. OEMs can find sources for engineering, design, prototypes, forming, fabricating, machining, finishing, assembly and electronic manufacturing services all under one roof. Whether looking for one part or production runs, attendees find multiple sources from which to choose.  AmCon offers attendees a unique opportunity to investigate a variety of manufacturing options, both new and traditional, and find the best processes and materials for specific applications. Attendees view actual samples of products that have been produced for other OEMs in their industry and can get quotes on current projects and compare quality, pricing, and lead times from multiple vendors all in a few hours. Only AmCon shows provide a “hands on” one-on-one education.

Register today to attend the Grand Rapids expo at: www.AmConshows.com.

AmCon

www.amconshows.com

Kati Olson, President

news@amconshows.com

978-744-7680

Among the many new cars and concept vehicles that were rolled out at the 2009 New York International Auto Show, the Acura ZDX created some of the most buzz. What Acura calls a four-door sports coupe, visitors to the show have named it one of the most impressive looking new vehicles among scores introduced, a true game changer for the Acura brand.

The ZDX was designed to include rousing styling, contemporaneous luxury and fastidious refinement. Featuring aesthetic curves, an aggressively raked roofline and conspicuous fender flares, the ZDX embodies the design traits found in a coupe, sedan and sport utility vehicle.

A streamlined design running from the headlights to the length of the car helps to punctuate the car’s presence and elegance. In keeping with the coupe-inspired styling, the rear door handles are smartly concealed in the C-pillar. The all-glass liftgate opens widely to bring out a highly utilitarian cargo space with integrated under-floor repository. The prototype is finished off with chic dual chrome exhaust outlets and 9-spoke machined wheels outfitted with 20-inch Michelin tires.

“From the very first sketch of the ZDX, I wanted to create an emotional vehicle that challenged conventional thinking of what a sports coupe should be,” said Michelle Christensen, ZDX exterior designer. “My goal was to create a strikingly beautiful exterior, and use that attraction to help draw you into the rich interior.”

Inside, the ZDX expresses contemporary luxury while focusing on coddling front passengers. The cabin is awash in leather, an attribute which gives the interior a luxurious and welcoming feel. The hand-stitched leather dash and instrument panel sweep down to form a dual cockpit layout, creating a personal and intimate experience for the front seat occupants.

Premium leather seats are highly bolstered to aid passengers during sporty driving while providing comfort for a long trip. A black monochromatic center stack leads to the textured metallic center console, which complements the black and pearl white leather trim. The thick leather wrapped steering wheel provides ample grip and is framed by racing-inspired paddle shifters. The cabin is enclosed by a panoramic glass roof which runs the entire length of the vehicle, providing occupants with a exciting view of the world around them.

The production version of the ZDX will arrive in Acura dealerships this fall and will pair an all-new six speed automatic transmission to a powerful V-6 engine. All wheel drive is standard as are the usual Acura attributes including class leading handling and cornering.

The Grand Rapids, Michigan event will be held next week at DeVos Place on September 17-18, 2008.  The benefits of attending a regional AmCon show are significant.    Top manufacturers from Michigan and Indiana sent engineers and buyers to the 2007 show. Below is just a sample of some of the firms that attended last year:

AAR Mobility Systems, Access Business Group, ADAC Automotive, Altocor, American Axle & Mfg., Amway, American Seating, Behr Industries Corp., Bosch Rexroth, Brunswick Bowling, Cascade Engineering, Caterpillar, Chrysler, Cummins Bridgeway, Dart Container, Delphi Automotive, Dematic, Denso Mfg. MI, Dover Corp., Eaton Corp.,  Flexfab LLC, Ford Motor Company, GE Aviation, GM Design PPO, General Motors, Gentex Corp., Gill Industries, Harbor Industries, Hart & Cooley, Haworth, Herman Miller, Hitachi Automotive, Holland Group, Howard Miller, Howmet, Johnson Controls, Johnson Technology, L-3 Communications, LuK USA LLC, Lacks Enterprises,  Magna Donnelly, Mahle Powertrain, Newmar Corp., ODL, Inc., Parker Aerospace, Parker Hannifin, Paulstra, CRC, Pridgeon & Clay, Royal Plastics, Shape Corp., Siemans OGS, Steelcase NA, Steelcase Wood, Stryker Instruments, Stryker Medical, Symmetry Medical, TAC Manufacturing, Trane, Unisys,  and Viking Corp.

According to Kati Olson, President, “We are excited to be returning to the Michigan market for this show in the fall of 2008. AmCon is the only show in Michigan specifically targeting OEM engineering and purchasing professionals who are looking for job shop and contract manufacturing services. Highly qualified prospects, often with blueprints in hand, will come from throughout Michigan, and northern Indiana.”

Engineers and buyers attending an AmCon Contract Manufacturing Expo can find one or multiple sources to take a project from concept or prototype to finished product quickly and at competitive prices. OEMs can find sources for engineering, design, prototypes, forming, fabricating, machining, finishing, assembly and electronic manufacturing services all under one roof. Whether looking for one part or production runs, attendees find multiple sources from which to choose.  AmCon offers attendees a unique opportunity to investigate a variety of manufacturing options, both new and traditional, and find the best processes and materials for specific applications. Attendees view actual samples of products that have been produced for other OEMs in their industry and can get quotes on current projects and compare quality, pricing, and lead times from multiple vendors all in a few hours. Only AmCon shows provide a “hands on” one-on-one education. Since the exhibits are staffed with top management and technical personnel, attendees have an in-depth discussion regarding project design, materials and production issues. AmCon shows are free, including seminars on a variety of manufacturing processes and quality issues.   Fall 2008 AmCon shows include Grand Rapids, MI – Sept. 17-18; Fort Lauderdale, FL – Sept. 23-24; Minneapolis, MN – Oct. 7-8; Phoenix, AZ – Oct. 14-15; Houston, TX – Oct. 29-30; Greensboro, NC – Nov. 18-19. 

Register today to attend any of these shows at: www.AmConshows.com.

AmCon

www.amconshows.com

Kati Olson, President

news@amconshows.com

978-744-7680