Rapid Prototype Blog

Archive for December, 2010

HI, This is my homemade 3D printer at work. This is the head of Walt Disney. It was awesome… and freaky… to see the head being created by the printer. The material is ABS plastic and it took 2h45min to print. There are some imperfections but…hey..this device is a fraction of the cost of the ‘big’ machines.
The design is based on the makerbot open source project. Kudos to the team!!!
Let me know if you are interested and i will build you one

Do you have any idea about what exactly a 3D model is? If you have ever seen a statue or monument in your existence, you by now be acquainted fairly a little regarding 3D Modeling. 3D Modeling is not anything but the formation of a personality or a representation of a thing having three dimensions (as in actual world). 3D models are crafted by a 3D model designer, using the procedure, techniques, methods and apparatus made available by computer software.

The software like 3DS Max, Maya, SoftImage etc, we use for the purpose of 3D Modeling and animation tool. The tool will provide a set of tools or apparatus that a 3D model designer can make use of to carve or model, an object in his thoughts, into a 3d computer illustration. This 3D model can be changed, animated or turned into a movie in accordance to the need of 3D model designer. A 3D model designer should be creative and innovative.

There are chiefly five types of 3D modeling, which have been discussed below:

# Primitive 3D Modeling: This is a very fundamental modeling technique and consequently has quite a few draw backs too. The software tool like 3DS Max, Maya etc provides a set of 3D primitives like spheres, boxes etc. The 3D model designer modifies these shapes to suit his/her character modeling requirements.
# NURBS 3D Modeling: it stands for Non Uniform Rational Bspline it is a mathematical curve, represented using a set of equations. If we see this modeling technique from an outer view, all we see is a set of simple curves that we call NURBS.

# Surface 3D Modeling: it is an extensively accepted modeling technique used largely for organic modeling. In this modeling technique, the 3D model designer generates a spline cage profile for the 3D character.

# Polygonal 3D Modeling: it is used for both in organic and inorganic 3D modeling. The basic principle behind this modeling technique is as the 3D model designer illustrated the shape of the model he desires to generate using the polygon tool. Then the polygon will get subdivided and extruded, so that the model gets the 3D form.

# Sub-division 3 D Modeling: it has control points and lattices that can be dragged and stimulated, to modify the original polygonal model that lies underneath. This modeling technique also permits the 3D model designer to choose the level of modification to be done in an exact area.
3D effects are frequently attained without wireframe modeling and are sometimes impossible to differentiate in the final form. Some graphic art software includes filters that can be applied to 2D vector graphics or 2D raster graphics on transparent layers.

Advantages of wireframe 3D modeling over exclusively 2D methods include: Flexibility, Ease of rendering, automatic calculation, rendering photorealistic effect, accurate photorealism.

One of the most amazing things about reverse engineering is its significant contribution in any field worldwide, and even in aerospace. Reverse engineering Romer for one, has proven its usefulness in this industry.

Whenever industries need measuring machines for reverse engineering or for inspection purposes, they call on reverse engineering Romer to do the job. The portability of Romer’s arm measuring machines make them ideal in easy-to-reach areas like the shop floor, or even in hard-to-reach areas.

The importance of reverse engineering Romer’s measuring machines has been proven in almost all industries.  However, its product line is no longer just limited to the measuring machines for reverse engineering, but it also includes laser scanning inspection systems and metrology software.

Companies rely on reverse engineering Romer’s products for woodworking, computer graphics, fabrication and other applications that require reverse engineering. Take for example Stinger II which is low-cost portable measuring equipment for reverse engineering.

The global economic melt-down may be over but there are international companies still reeling from the crisis. But these companies need to stay alive and keep their operations more competitive. They can do this by making sure that their systems are efficient.

By now, these companies have realized the significance of reverse engineering Romer to making their businesses more cost effective and as a result, more competitive in whatever industry they are in.

Aerospace companies that make use of computer-aided design or CAD are highly aware of the importance of reverse engineering. Aircraft engine parts are now more efficiently measured with the use of reverse engineering Romer.

Airline companies used to face the challenge of how to measure engine assembly accurately. Thanks to reverse engineering Romer, companies now have a more functional and portable measurement machine. This has resulted to substantial savings for the company in terms of time and effort.

With the reverse engineering Romer, airline companies can now measure their gadgets and devices even when they are located way beneath the plane’s engine or in other confined spaces.

With the high cost of doing business and of competing with other companies in the same industry, it is understandable why reverse engineering Romer has been welcomed by companies in all industries around the world.

Three-dimensional grating plate Print (A) of the grating structure and characteristics of board

Grating plate in order of a string of cylindrical lens, the light refracted through the image, and lens focal length, radius of the focal length, angle will affect the imaging results.

Grating plate itself, the proportion of materials, heat distortion temperature, transparency, refractive index will affect the three-dimensional effects and post-production process. Grating plate is every inch the number of columnar lens (Lenticules-Per-Inch, LPl) differentiate their products. Because each board has a different grating line number, refractive index, thickness and angle of view, therefore, an indication of the effects are different, grating panels are made of PET (polyester), PP (polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride ) and PS (polystyrene), and acrylic are several.

Grating plate lines (LPI) options for printing from the three-dimensional imaging is also very important to the world of the grating plate production lines from 10LPI (about 3mm) to 200LPI (0.2mm), while its size Specifications are mostly 20 “x28″ inch. Grating plate material used to size and use, there are several (Wu and, 2005a):

1. Thickness of 0.25mm, lines 141LPI of PET (Poly EthyleneTerephthalate) grating plate, and its application in the mobile phone panel, stamps, DVD CD-ROM and other commodities.

2. Thickness of 0.35mm, lines 100LPI of PET grating plate, and their use in fine Package Boxes, wine boxes, VCD discs Label And other commodities.

3. Thickness of 0.46mm, lines 75LPI of PET grating plate, and its application in the card, PCS, credit cards, stationery, books and other products.

4. Thickness of 0.68mm, lines 62LPI of PET grating plate, and its application in the poster card, tag, postcards and other commodities.

Grating plate differences owing different perspectives, but have different uses, wide viewing angle effect for changing plans, narrow viewing angle effect is suitable for three-dimensional map. Usually according to price and demand for three-dimensional effect and application performance to make a decision.

(B) of the grating plate style effects and three-dimensional map production

Three-dimensional printing plate grating effect of a wide range of performance, generally speaking can be divided into 3D stereo effect, variable map effect, change into small effect, a continuous dynamic effect, Morph (similar to the effect of a progressive change of face changes in the way), three-dimensional Moire effect or combination of the above results show several methods (Wu and, 2005). 3D stereo effect of which can be directly applied to a method of producing three-dimensional map. 3D stereo effect is divided into pseudo 3D (Layer3D) and true 3D (True3D) two ways. 3D stereoscopic system using fake leaflet photo or video, according to subjective judgments of depth of field objects, their levels before and after the separation, and then produce a shift in the image using software, then split to form three-dimensional vision can be grating plate to the image: True 3D three-dimensional effect is to use professional three-dimensional camera angles while shooting video, or use 3D animation software to simulate the multiple images of different angles, the software produced by professional three-dimensional synthetic images generated before and after displacement by the printed image resulting from the grating plate with depth before and after the level effect. In the three-dimensional map production, although you can get consistent three-dimensional nature of Aerial photography or photogrammetry, but the geometric relationship with the existing software may not fit in, and therefore a single photo or image and numerical data to create three-dimensional map of the terrain is more convenient .

Special Offer Available: www.amazon.com — Economical folding plastic stereo print viewer. You can print 3D side-by-side pairs taken with your Fuji 3D camera and view them with this handy viewer Easy to mail to friends and family. Able to view 3D stereo prints from 3in x 5in. This Mini 3D Viewer is a Parallel Format (side-by-side) Print Viewer made of a hard plastic. It is self-focusing and provides a clear and exceptional 3D image that almost anyone can enjoy.
Video Rating: 0 / 5

Ultrasound baby scans form an integral part of pre-natal care. Throughout each of the three trimesters, obstetricians monitor the development of your baby via these scans. Conventional ultrasound offered by the NHS in the UK to mothers between 12 and 20 weeks produces 2D pictures of the developing fetus. However, with the advancement in ultrasound technology, you can now see your baby in three dimensions.

So if you are pregnant you should certainly take advantage of 3D and 4D scans. Why? – Read below for top reasons why.

4D baby scan: Why I Should Take Advantage of a 4D Scan?

A 3D ultrasound scan is a special scan that shows a baby in three dimensions. A 4D scan is essentially a 3D scan with the added dimension of time. It therefore allows you to see a baby moving just like in a video or film.Both 4D and 3D baby scans are available today in many private maternity care clinics in the UK.

Many pregnant women often imagine how their baby would look like and how the baby is growing. With a 4D scan, future mums can see their baby’s face much more clearly when compared to previous 2D scans. It is so amazing to watch your baby moving around, playing with his toes or smiling. It’s simply a lovely and wonderful moment to cherish! Thanks to a 4D baby scan, you can see all such kind of movements of your baby. Further, the scan can also be recorded on a DVD for you to share with your family and friends.

 4D Scans London

If you are looking for 4D Scans in London, there are many clinics like The Birth Company, The Harley Street Centre for Women and other private clinics for pregnancy scans. Most of these clinics have fully qualified sonographers and high quality ultrasound scanning equipment. The best time to do a 4D scan is at 26-32 weeks of pregnancy. The cost is around £250 and includes a 20-30 min. recording on a DVD.

These clinics not only provide 3D and 4D Scans but all other necessary scans too from the first trimester (Up to 12 weeks) to the third trimester (27 weeks to 40 weeks).

Runs two single scans at the same time and merges the results automatically. This feature was developed specifically for face scans so users can scan both the left and right sides of the face at the same time.
Video Rating: 5 / 5

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Laser scanning is a technique used to create a 3d model of the object being scanned. By utilizing a focused, in-phase laser beam a much more accurate representation can be made of the object than if ordinary physical measurement tools were used. Another big advantage to laser scanning is speed. Laser scanning is actually faster than scanning using mechanical means. After all, the amount of moving parts is minimized and, since the laser scanning equipment never contacts the object being scanned physically it reduced the overall amount of movement needed for the scanning job to complete.

Laser scanning is used in a variety of different manufacturing and engineering related functions. One of the most prominent ones is reverse engineering. When needing to obtain the proper measurements for manufacture of a part for whom neither CAD nor blueprint data is available, laser scanning is used. The laser scanning equipment is able to accurately generate a very precise informational 3D representation of the part being scanned which allows the manufacturing team to reproduce the object. While physical measurement may be able to match the scanning precision needed in such cases the speed tradeoff is undesirable. After all, laser scanning results in the most precise measurement in the smallest amount of time.

Another use of laser scanning is on a high speed assembly line. In a manufacturing environment in which a large amount of parts need to be scanned to check for accurate manufacture, laser scanning is the most attractive method of determining if the manufactured parts meet a predetermined specification. This allows for a much higher quality control in the manufacturing process.

All in all, laser scanning equipment provides a valuable asset to any manufacturing operation. Whether utilized in a reverse engineering role or in a quality inspection form laser scanning equipment helps speed up operation while increasing the quality of scanning analysis. Coupled with the proper computing equipment the laser scanning equipment can be used to generate and analyze CAD data on the fly. This is a great benefit to any manufacturing and/or engineering operation that needs to utilize 3d scanning tools.

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The Real Star Trek Replicator – 3D Printing

Do you remember the amazing device that materialized solid objects, in this case food in the Star Trek TV Show? It was supposed to put together subatomic particles from recycled material to recreate a physical product on voice commands. “Tea. Earl Grey. Hot.” It was the favorite hot beverage from the Captain of The Enterprise, Jean Luc Picard.

I am not a Trekkie level fan but I do like the series. Back on the replicator, I have found a great technology available to everybody these days that creates solid objects out of computer coordinates. It is called 3D printer and free 3d model.

A 3D(tri-dimensional) printer, is similar to a 2D(bi-dimensional) printer. While 2D prints X and Y (Long and width), a 3D prints X, Y and Z (Long, Width and Height ). There are many videos showing how this technology works and shows the finished product.

If this wasn’t enough amazing, the solid object is created in colors and if it is an object with many parts, it comes out already assembled. For instance, one of the most amazing examples of the 3D printer, is when they print a solid chain with all the links connected. Even a motorcycle chain, with all the parts moves exactly as the original object.

Teamed up with a 3D scanner, which takes a 3D impression of any object, this is something that really seems to defy reality. There is another example where they print a human head with all the original colors, and when they 3D print it, it looks incredibly accurate. Even the eyes come out with color.

The software used to create 3D models is the same used to create 3D renderings and common 3D models. Tools like AutoCad, 3D Studio Max, SketchUp, Inventor, Mechanical Desktop, Maya, Vector Works and many more, are able to create models that might function natively with a 3D printer.

There is a company called Sweet Onion Creations that have a great example on how to take an existing building from the Google SketchUp model and they would print it in a small scale. For Architecture, this technology saves thousands of dollars and months of hard work on modeling and mock ups for their projects. Although, industrial designers are the most happy people because of this technology.

The prices to get one of this miracle makers vary from USDK to more than K each. However, there are some creative guys making their own home made 3D printers. I guess that as any new technology, will reduce the price as soon as the product becomes a desktop tool.

How does it work? Well, although it seems like a science fiction device, the way it works is pretty simple: There is a printer with an special glue that will print on layers of section cuts of the 3D model. Instead of paper, it prints on a polymer based powder that layer by layer, solidifies the powder. At the end of the process, the remaining powder is blown away with an air compressor pistol or a brush. And it is ready to go.

It sounds very simple, but not many people thought of that, just like most of the greatest ideas. The ability of automatized machines to create 3D objects out of 3D digital models is not new of course. There are many CNC devices that carves into metal for mechanical precision tasks, but nothing like this 3D printer. About accuracy, CNC is still the king but this 3D printing technology is just starting and free 3d model.

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The ultimate solution in car theft prevention, one complete system that has a fingerprint ignition lock, GSM messaging system, and standard car alarm style audio alerts. With this one car security system you can have total piece of mind knowing that your car isn’t going anywhere it shouldn’t be.

This powerful device uses the latest in fingerprint ID scan technology to make sure only authorized drivers with enrolled fingerprints can start the car. This primary (+ secondary) security system uses a combination of an enrolled Fingerprint plus the car key to enable the vehicle ignition. Meaning that even if someone gets a hold of your keys your car is still safeguarded from theft and misuse!

The CVKP-BG04 also works as a standard car alarm, activating whenever anyone attempts to forcibly open a door or hits your automobile. In addition, if you install a GSM SIM card into the unit you can even receive a text message alert on your cell phone whenever those impacts and forced entry’s occur. Maybe the neighborhood kids keep hitting your car while playing ball, an SMS message will be instantly sent to your phone telling you that something hit your car. With this handy feature you won’t ever have to wonder where those dings and dents magically appear from, you will literally be able to catch them while they are happening! And in case you just happen to live or work in a severe wind/weather area, the sensitivity of this function can be adjusted on the CVKP-BG04 so you can effectively avoid any false warnings that are common with cheap car security systems

This fingerprint ID security system also allows you to send text commands from your mobile phone to the unit to receive important status messages or temporarily disable certain features. What does this mean to you? Well, for example, if you bring your car to the mechanic and you don’t want him to have access to your fingerprint scanner, just send a simple text message via mobile phone or keychain and the ID scan is temporarily disabled until the mechanic is finished with your car. Or, if your car is somehow hacked into and taken, you can send a message that will slowly cut-off the fuel supply, thereby disabling the vehicle. For status messages, if your daughter says she is driving home you can query the system to see if the car is actually in motion or is still parked at makeout point, a great way to keep your kids on their best behavior!

This product is manufactured using only the best parts and the latest technology available on the market today to give you modern biometric security with lifestyle convenience. In particular, the fingerprint ID scanner is designed so it can be installed anyplace in the car (even DIY it into a hidden location of your choice) and works on all brands of cars and trucks. This is a must have product if you want to protect your valuable investment from damage or theft. This product is in stock now and ready for single piece or large bulk purchase. The CVKP-BG04 is proudly brought to you by the leader in high quality wholesale electronics, Chinavasion.

At a glance…
Fingerprint ignition access Warnings sent to mobile phone Adjustable alarm sensitivity Remote fuel cutoff via mobile phone Car status request sent to mobile phone Easy SMS cancel/resume the fingerprint verification system

Manufacturer Specifications

Product Description: Fingerprint (ID scan) car security system with mobile messaging alerts and inquiry Basic Functions:
- Fingerprint save/scan/delete (can store 9 fingerprints)
- Keychain remote lock/unlock, arm/disarm
- Anti-robbing (cut fuel to engine) via SMS
- Status warning via SMS
- Inquiry for car status via SMS
- Sensitivity adjustment
- Cancel/Resume Fingerprint verification or alarm
- Temporary security disable for allowing car use by non-registered users GSM Support: 900/1800 Radio Frequency of Remote: 315 MHz Code Sending Method: Rolling code Primary Parts / Functions:
System Controller Box – Acts as system mainframe, has SIM card slot
Keychain Remote(s) – Arm and disarm car security and alarms
Finger Swipe Module – Unlock fingerprint ignition lock
Users Own Mobile Phone – Can be used to communicate with the system via SMS Input Voltage: 12V (power from car) Certification: CE, FCC, RoHS, Emark Working Temperature: -15 to 65 C Manufacturer Ref: EF1A9B4C481E

Product Notes

SIM card slot to send and receive SMS Advanced biometric finger print scan eBay Reseller Note: Here is are some examples of alternate product titles you can use for this product;
- Fingerprint ID Car Alarm System
- Biometric Car Security Alarm
- Biometric Fingerprint Car Security and Alarm System
- Fingerprint Identification Car Lock Alarm System
- Fingerprint Car Immobilizer Important Note: This product should only be installed by a professional. Carefully review the product manual before installing and using the CVKP-BG04 to achieve the most satisfying user experience.

Package Contents

Model CVKP-BG04 car security system User guide – English Connecting wire sets for main frame and car installation Key chain remote control (x2) Alarm sensitivity device Fingerprint scanner

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to scan my finger print every time I want to open the door?
No, the fingerprint module is only used to start the cars ignition. You will need either either the car key or keychain remote control to open the door. Does the CVKP-BG04 require any batteries?
No, the unit is wired into the cars battery supply using the supplied cables. This unit operates on very little power and also has an internal backup battery just in case your car battery happens to die. Is this unit easy to operate or do I need a degree in technology to use it?
After instillation is complete and you use the CVKP-BG04 a few times, you will be surprised at how such an advanced product can be so easy to operate. Just unlock the door, swipe your finger and start your car like normal. When you want to secure your vehicle just turn off the ignition like normal, then get out of the car and press the lock button on the keychain. It really doesn’t get much simpler than this! Can the CVKP-BG04 sense fake fingers?
Yes. This unit uses advanced 3D biometrics technology and therefore rejects fakes such as pictures, fake fingers, wax coatings, and photocopies.
Visit the website: http://www.electronicschinawholesale.com
You will find much more. Current Reviews:    This product was added to our catalog on Tuesday 29 September, 2009.

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What is 3D Studio MAX

3D Studio MAX is best 3d animation, 3d modeling and 3d visualization solution ever made. “Younger brother” of 3D Studio MAX iz 3D Studio which become MAX in some moment, and as MAX become industrial standard for 3D animation and visualization.

Why 3ds MAX is better than other 3d animation software solutions

Because 3d max have so natural user interface, to work in 3DS MAX You need just few days with books and tutorials a lot of time and a bit of intuition.

What I can design / make /animate / vizualize in 3D Studio MAX software

Eerything. Literaly! That is the reason why I love it! You probably sow thousand times images or videos made in this software in movies, advertising, every ware.
Start with 3D studio MAX (tutorials,etc)As I already said You need just some time and of course to have a wish to make all that funny animated stuffs. There are plenty of objects that You can model or animate, actually You can model and animate everything from real life or some creatures or places on the world right from Your dreams:) MAX can everything. It is just questions what You can do ?

Steps to start with 3D Studio MAX

I can give You some base informations where to start and what to do to learn 3DS MAX in very short time. basicaly, You will need to understand and start using naturaly this:
Coordinate system of 3D Studio MAX -

moving objects, rotating, scaling, positioning

Modeling in 3D Studio MAX - creating objects in 3D Studio MAX, in first time very base objects like box, cube etc, then compound objects like arrays of base objects implemented in MAX, then a bit complicated to model using advanced techniques like curve modeling or NURBS modeling, then to use some modifiers like extruding, twisting and all that funny and useful stuffs, and at the end, grail of (3d models) 3D modeling: to create organic structures, like animated mans and womans, dinosaurs, elephants etc.

Lights in 3D space -

like in real world when You make some model (object) You need to put some light to be visible. Playing with lights in MAX is an art. You couldn’t believe what effects can be made with simple changing of base light parameters.camera in 3D studio MAX – You need to use virtual 3D MAXs cameras to make pictures, to learn about camera diameters, positioning, driving, zooming, etc.

Special FX in 3D Studio MAX -

this is for the end, MAX can give You some excellent and unique visual effect to Your animations or images.

Maybe this soud complicated but it is not, belive me. I started to play with 3D Studio MAX and animation 10 years ago, I don’t work in that industry, it is just my hobby. When I started powerfull machine was PI 200 MHz and 3D Studio MAX verion 2 or something. That was one new and amazing world which keeps me still to be creative and create,. model and animate interesting usual and unusual creatures, lendscapes, furniture, indoors, peoples…If this sound enough interesting and fun to You, feel free to start from those great and free 3D Studio MAX tutorials:

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This video is an introduction to the RepRap self-replicating 3D printer.