Rapid Prototype Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Model’

Here we have a topological model designed by Steven Tippett from Texas. Steve designed this model using topological mesh modeling software and contacted me via my website http://www.printo3d.com to 3D print this model for him.

I HAVE full permission from Steven to share his model for the world to see!

Steven’s work can be seen here:
http://www.sevenblah.deviantart.com

An introduction to Room Temperature Vacuum Casting

This process of molding is applied with the utilization of a vacuum chamber to extract the liquefied material into the mold. The method of vacuum casting is applicable when the mold that is desired has complex details or undercuts. It is also utilized when there is a concern of air entrapment or if the material has fibrous properties or wire reinforces.

A two piece silicone mold is placed in a vacuum chamber while the raw liquefied material is mixed and degassed; this is done when dissolved gasses are removed from liquid materials called degasification applied to prevent gas bubbles formation that is undesirable when a smooth finish is required. After the extraction of gasses is completed, the liquid material is then poured into the mold. The vacuum is then released and the mold is taken out of the vacuum chamber.

After this procedure, the vacuum casting is cured in an oven. Curing is a process of toughening or hardening of the liquefied material. This can also be applied to polyurethane and other plastics like acrylic. The silicone mold can be reused to up to 20 times maximum where it will start to deteriorate and can no longer be useful. 

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In the oven, it takes to up to hours for the liquid material to be cured depending on its size. After an exothermic reaction of the plastics, the cavity is opened and the molded plastic is removed. The silicone cavity is the closed and the procedure done again.

The disadvantage of Vacuum Casting is that it is expensive and is not preferred for mass production. However a substitute is available instead of this method known as Reaction Injection Molding. This process does not require expensive vacuum chambers and mixing facilities. The process utilizes simple plastic injection system with a couple of pressurized chambers.

So in Short

Vacuum casting is a prototyping technology used when you need a short run of your 3d cad model made out of a PolyUrethane with properties close to real injected plastics such as ABS, POM ,PA or TPE’s TPR rubbers

Usually series of 5-100 pieces will be run using this casting technology.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF Vacuum casting?

The main advantages of this process are amuch lower tooling costs and a quicker turn-around than traditional steel mould making. the lead-time to create casted models is around 7-10 days.

The products have an exceptional detail and accuracy which comes close to the final injected plastic parts.

Flexible silicone moulds allow significant undercuts, simplifying mould-making and containing costs.

The process:

The first step of vacuum casting process involves encapsulating/enclosing a master model in a liquid Silicone rubber. Than a vacuum is applied to the mould. The mould is then cured in an oven at around 70°C

Once cured the mould can be split up in 2 or more parts, at which point the master model is removed leaving a mould cavity perfectly replicating the master model.

what is possible with vacuum casting?;

We can make double or triple shot products, we can cast rubber or TPE or TPR like materials. (with 20-80 shore A hardness)

We can vacuum cast optical clear plastics ( same like PMMA) and we can use Inserts in the products.

Find More Polyurethane Casting Articles

Market your development using Architectural Models

Paper plans are ok but if you want to create a huge impression Architectural Models are the answer. This way you can show people exactly how your buildings, developments, or planned projects of the future will look, once they have been completed.  Use Architectural Models and they’ll be exact miniatures of the buildings that you plan to construct.  Consult professional creators of Architectural Models and they can produce any scale that you desire. Models can be made for marketing purposes or they could help you to secure planning permission in the future. Need the finest quality Architectural Models?  Experienced model makes can help.

Use Architectural Models to present an interior in a positive light

They’ve seen the outside of the building and it looks highly impressive but what’s going on indoors?  Let them see by supplying them with detailed Architectural Models of the interiors of your planned buildings.  Ask the model makers to construct buildings that come with a removable roof, removable floors and other workable features. People like to get hands-on with projects in the design process and the Architectural Models are ideal for this purpose.  Let the people in charge of planning permission look inside the Architectural Models to get a full understanding of the level work that will be involved. Use the models to market your proposed development and secure the planning permission that you require.

How can I bring my Architectural Models to life?

Why not ask the model makers to install lights within the buildings? Make them interactive.  Have a series of buttons on the base that people can press if they like.  Get people interested in the Architectural Models.  Help them to fully understand the true capabilities of your proposed building works. Experienced model makers can bring your Architectural Models to life and they’ll make great marketing tools.  Scale models can be produced that show how a building will be constructed, whilst others will show the finished construction.  Lights can be used in the Architectural Models just for effect or they can be used as part of your sales pitch. Whatever the requirements; model makers can provide your perfect solution.

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If you’ve heard of CAD before but weren’t to sure what it referred to, it’s an acronym for Computer Aided Design. You can design three-dimensional images using a wide variety of computer based tools right on the screen of your computer. Architects, design professionals and engineers utilize this technology for 3D CAD modeling.

Industrial Designing

Many of the mechanical and electronic products that you operate have been designed with the benefit of CAD. It provides a cost-effective method for manufacturers to develop a prototype from conceptual drawings, as the 3D model would perfectly translate the finest details of illustrations. Industrial and mechanical engineers rely on CAD to manipulate and test their ideas thoroughly before progressing to the manufacturing stage of product development. The models can be measured for performance at varying stress levels without expending enormous amounts of money to constantly research, re-design and build different versions of the product. Great accuracy and precision is ensured in both the model and the final product. 3D CAD guarantees that products are designed manufactured and hit the retail market in much shorter time than before.

Architectural Creations

2D drawings can easily miss minute details that are crucial to capture the fluid silhouettes and dimensions of modern buildings. Some of the most elaborate architectural masterpieces, such as the spectacular Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain and the billowing Burj-Al-Arab in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, relied on CAD to maintain the artistic integrity of the architects who designed them. Complex and innovative designs are possible with 3D CAD modeling that produce a true representation of the architect’s vision. Clients can better evaluate and assess the feasibility of the project before agreeing to commit resources especially if they are able to view a small-scale version of the proposed building.

Jewelry prototyping and Jewelry Fashions

Jewellery designers who fashion accessories with the benefit of 3D CAD can bring beautiful and creative concepts to life. They can re-define curves and lines to produce novel creations that stun and surprise you with their imaginativeness. Working with precious stones and expensive metals like platinum, gold and silver, jewellers have little room for error. They have to ensure that designs can actually be manufactured and the stones can be properly set to add lustre and sparkle to the final creation. CAD has been instrumental in providing this assurance.

Benefits of 3D CAD Design

The quality of designs has improved tremendously with the use of 3D CAD. The process is flexible and permits a design professional or engineer to change and redefine material easily and cost effectively. The prototypes can then be rapidly created and will be an accurate reflection of the image onscreen. The expenses involved in making a model are significantly reduced and this technology also eliminates any redundancy in production. The extensive use of paper is curtailed as the whole design and development process shifts to electronic mode.

3D CAD modeling is an indispensable part of modern manufacturing, construction and design. From architecture to engineering, 3D CAD is integral to precise, accurate and state-of-the-art achievements.

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The prototype or model as a discovery tool

Getting from the “invention residing in your brain”, to an actual functioning product is called “reducing the invention to practice”, and almost invariably leads to the discovery of a number of problems with details that are not clearly evident when only residing in your mind.

Producing a model will help you find the best way to manufacture the device you have invented. It can be useful for all sorts of things like figuring out where to put labels, what the shipping weight will be, how to best package it, what it might cost to manufacture it, and to get feedback from test users. It’s a valuable tool for you to use.

An invention prototype can help you raise money

People just don’t have much imagination.  You are an inventor, and so you do have an imagination. Before you can invent something you have to have the idea…and it takes imagination to come up with great new ideas. Other people, you will find, simply do not have the imagination or vision that you do. Help them out.

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With a good invention prototype or model, your audience will not need to have an imagination.  It makes the invention “real” for them, adding tremendously to your credibility.  Having a good invention prototype will help sell the product even if it is not even in production yet. 

Prototype your invention before you file for a patent

DON’T put off prototype building until after you file your patent application. You will probably discover flaws or new features, or discover possible manufacturing problems.  With rare exception prototyping is very worthwhile. There are almost always unexpected discoveries from construction of invention models and prototypes.

Prototype for invention for testing purposes

Testing is very important.  A prototype allows you to actually test your invention in a meaningful way. You can test it with people other than yourself if appropriate, and you will probably discover that other people will have constructive criticisms and suggestions that could be very valuable.

By searching online you can find model and prototype building companies who can build it for you if you do not have the skills yourself.

Sure there are times when a prototype is not practical, if it is too expensive for example, but if it is at all possible, I highly recommend an invention prototype or model be produced.

from the press release Activision confirmed today that PROTOTYPE 2, the sequel to Radical Entertainment’s original best-selling game of 2009 — PROTOTYPE — is currently in development for 2012. PROTOTYPE 2′s first official trailer was revealed as a world premiere during this past weekend’s Spike TV Video Game Awards 2010 show, where fans of the shape-shifting open-world action franchise got their first glimpse into Sgt. James Heller, and why he is going to destroy PROTOTYPE’s original anti-hero,Alex Mercer. For those that missed it, head over to www.facebook.com/prototype to check out the trailer and be sure to become a fan. Gamers should also be on the lookout for the exclusive, in-depth first look preview of PROTOTYPE 2 in EGM magazine’s April 2011 issue. “When PROTOTYPE surpassed 2MM units we knew gamers would want a sequel to find out what happens next with Alex Mercer,” said Ken Rosman, Studio Head, Radical Entertainment. “The team here at Radical is sincerely grateful to the fans and we are laser focused on delivering an even bigger and better experience with PROTOTYPE 2!” PROTOTYPE 2 is currently in development for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system and the Games for Windows . The game is currently rated “RP” (Rating Pending) by the ESRB, with an expected “M” (Mature — Content that may be suitable for persons 17 and older).”
Video Rating: 4 / 5

The majority of the work force will soon be working virtually. That paradigm shift is happening now. Progressively larger segments of the population, even government workers, are going virtual. This trend is accelerating due to several compelling, interconnected forces. And this trend offers great competitive advantages to entrepreneurs, start ups and small businesses. These compelling forces include: # Increasingly pervasive global Internet accessibility # Powerful and inexpensive cloud computing solutions # A population that is rapidly embracing the Internet in increasingly intimate spaces # Massive savings on overhead for employers # Extremely inexpensive or even free communication (Skype, Instant Messaging, Dimdim, GoToMeeting, WebEx, etc.) # Social networking and related tools like Facebook, LinkedIn, eMail and YouTube # Increasing costs related to energy and commuting # Continued challenges impacting travel # Time loss caused by commuter distance These factors combine to give us the fundamental reasons for this virtual paradigm shift. This shift is happening with large corporations and small companies, with distributed work forces and solo entrepreneurs, with stay at home moms (or dads) and high-powered consultants. Take a quick look around your neighborhood and you’re likely to find 25% of your neighbors already working from home. We’re not just talking about telecommuters; many of these virtual workers are entrepreneurs, small business owners, contractors, consultants, and independent professionals beginning to take advantage of a better, more profitable model and a more flexible lifestyle. The virtual model levels the playing field, offering small businesses powerful cloud computing, cost effective web site development, robust eMarketing and web seminar capabilities and a cacophony of contractor services at their fingertips. The expensive main street store has been replaced with a highly cost effective home based operation, but the home based operation can look just as professional as a billion dollar conglomerate. You may have heard the famous sales adage, “nothing happens until someone sells something”. This saying rings true for both traditional and virtual businesses. But virtual businesses offer a much better path to profitability and improve the likelihood of success – after all – 30% or more of your traditional overhead disappears resulting in a dramatic gross margin improvement over traditional brick and mortar companies. And today – you no longer have to worry about looking or sounding like a reputable business – it’s easy to do using the virtual model.

Vacuum casting

Vacuum Casting is widely used for low volume 3d real models or prototypes. Typically with one soft tool 20-25 duplicates can be made out of polyurethane material.

The Vacuum casting process is a 5 step process that starts with the creation of an accurate and highly finished master model which can be created using various RP techniques such as Stereo lithography, FDM, SLS, CNC or an existing part.

The second step; this mother model is placed in a mould box and liquid silicon rubber is poured over the master.

Once the silicon is cured, the mould is cut as per split line established and master model is removed, leaving an accurately formed cavity.

Step 4:  the mould cavity is used to cast large variety of polyurethane or epoxy materials available. This allows fast production of high quality parts in a short lead time

In the next chapter the advantaged and disadvantages will be elaborated.

The costs to create a silicone mould are much lower than steel moulds, the manufacturing of these moulds can be done in a short lead time. A lead time from 4-10 days is possible, but this depends on complexity and how the master model will be made.

There is a large variety of urethane materials available, which properties are very close to the injection molded materials ranging from soft rubber grades to hard plastics. Some polyurethane can be colored directly, It is also possible to sandblast or paint the finished parts. Because of the flexibility of the silicone moulds undercuts in the product can be made without sliders or cores. Also inserts can be placed in the moulds and even over-moulding 2 or more components is possible.

Disadvantages:

The tool life time of the silicone mould is limited; one cavity can only make 20-25 parts, than a new mould has to be created

Vacuum Cast parts are not identical to injection molded parts, because the conditions and method of manufacture are different.
Very thin wall sections are not recommended and chances of cracking or warping.

Recommendations:

The Minimum wall thicknesses are recommended not to be smaller than 0.8mm. Recommended size is above 1mm

Generally 20 pcs can be made from single mould so multiple of 20 can give you better pricing to cover up the silicon mould cost. E.G. Qty 20 or 40 has better pricing per piece than 30 or 50 pieces.

Find More Polyurethane Casting Articles

3D rapid prototyping is the mechanical creation of physical substances using patented polyjet manufacturing technology. 3D rapid prototyping technologies originated in their simplest plastic and liquid hardening versions in 1988 and were initially used to make simple static model structures. Many famous artists have used 3D rapid prototyping technology to create installations for exhibitions. In recent years, the advancements in and the use of CAD and 3D rapid prototyping has continued to spread.  As such its important to understand the background and application for 3D rapid prototyping processes.

Current Usage of 3D Rapid Prototyping

3D rapid prototyping models have many uses. They make great visual aids for communicating ideas to colleagues or for presentations to customers. Being able to see, feel and hear an idea accounts for over half of one’s senses and helps make an impression on customers. One of the greatest benefits of 3D rapid prototyping is that it can significantly reduce company costs. Outsourcing 3D modeling needs to suppliers is expensive and time consuming.  With the latest 3D rapid prototyping equipment 3D printers can sit on a desk in your office.

3D printing is already applied in a number of industries and sectors. 3D rapid prototyping is currently being used by in healthcare, engineering, education, architecture and the entertainment industry. It’s also being used by paleontologists to model fossils, duplicate prehistoric artifacts and to reconstruct bones and body parts to create a 3D tangible model of ancient mankind. Today, Architects are using 3D rapid prototyping technology to design buildings with precise measurements and able to create 3D models in-house and therefore confidentially. Engineers are testing designs and able to locate errors and design flaws quicker and cheaper than previously.

Future Usage of 3D rapid prototyping

3D rapid prototyping technology is presently being studied by biotechnology firms and universities. Their objective is to use 3D rapid prototyping and engineering applications to create body parts and organs. Scientists can today use 3D rapid prototyping to place layers of living cells on to gel mediums to test and learn how they react to being transplanted to humans, therefore reducing the need for live animal testing. With the help of a 3D prototype, one day recognizable pieces of furniture in a home can replaced by a 3D printer and a recycling unit. Clothing, cutlery and books can already be printed on demand.

In the future, product designers, engineers, teachers and architects will all be using 3D rapid prototyping systems in their respective careers to teach, demonstrate and sell their concepts instantly. 3D rapid prototyping has only been around for about 2 decades and has only recently become affordable enough for businesses to use in-house. Just imagine what the future holds for 3D rapid prototyping printers.

Read more on 3D Printing: Rapid Prototyping

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If you take a look at the history of mankind you will see precisely how adventurous, restless, forward reaching as well as creative we have been. From the particular period when man conceived the wheel up to the modern-day when there seems to be no limit to our inventive capability, we’re all proof of our need to reach for the heavens.

Not many of us like to sit around and do nothing at all. We always have to focus on a mission and this is what pushes a lot of us to build our very own companies and to create a much better future for ourselves. There’s nothing that can match the sensation of total satisfaction after you build something from nothing and dissatisfaction frequently spurs us to move on to even bigger and far better things.

From a time when all of us were really young there was a fascination for modelling as well as for scale models of everything that we might observe in the grown-ups’ environment. Just how many of us enjoyed playing with model railways and definitely with toy cars, at some point dreaming about owning a full-sized edition? Frequently, we might take hours playing with a Lego set and creating the most outrageous kits. To this day, a lot of us are intrigued by these types of blocks and this once again underlines the fact that we are constantly looking for something fresh as well as completely new.

These days, as we grow we could elect to follow a career in architecture, engineering or perhaps the technological career fields and begin to genuinely explore exactly how to create something from nothing in breathtaking fashion. We could furthermore decide to turn our innovative bent towards making models in our extra time.

Whatever reason you might have for building something out of thin air, you should source some model making materials and also model making supplies that will help you stick to your inventive path. While you may well sketch something out on paper, two-dimensional seriously isn’t likely to work for you personally. You must view a three-dimensional rendition of your work and will want to embark on the creation of a scale model.

Scale models are produced in a variety of spheres. You possibly can be commissioned within an engineering challenge, or whenever a new building construction is being designed. The model could be made for a feature film and it might also be used to demonstrate to would-be purchasers exactly how a special housing development may appear in the future – a very important sales resource.

Even if you just want to create a model for your own excitement, you’ll need a number of model making tools and also supplies. A lot of these can be as sophisticated and also as involved as the model that you’re planning. You will require such items as drills, saws, rotor blades, scissors, tweezers, pliers and the types of materials by themselves. You will likely need board, sheet, aluminium, polystyrene, wood, foam board, PVC material, tubing, angles, rods and fasteners. When you discover what can be acquired and let your imagination start to percolate, there truly is very little to stop you from developing your very own, fresh new world.

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Using the 3d model in medical research and training is worthwhile in most scenarios. Theoretical models are carried out in laboratory experiments and human models are used to teach about medical conditions. As for the human person, brain and hair 3d models can be used for a variety of reasons. Anyone inside the medical field will find different purposes and uses for such models, especially the 3d brain model.

As mentioned, the major reason that three-dimensional models are used is because they enable individuals to physically see areas of the human body as well as the brain that they otherwise would not have the capacity to see. The 3d brain model can be used in a classroom setting as an inexpensive option to having an actual brain to teach with. In addition, it may help students to grasp brain grooves and ridges beyond they had before.

An instructor can actually take a 3d brain model to reveal how the real human brain works right from a computer. Using such a 3d model is so dynamic that it creates a much more interesting learning experience.

In addition to a classroom setting on a college campus or in a medical presentation, a 3d brain model also helps with medical research. In the laboratory, this type of model can be used when conducting experiments on the human brain. Hypothetical situations can be carried out and treatments can be given while calculating the effects that they would have on the brain.

When deciding whether or not to invest in a 3d model, you need to consider the pros against the negatives. There are a couple ways to get your hands on a model of the brain without buying a ready-made stock 3d model. For instance, you could take the task on yourself and create a brain structure model. You could also work with a qualified artist to create a three-dimensional model. The one disadvantage to these options is that it can be expensive, but the benefits may outweigh the negatives.

After getting acquainted with the 3d brain model, you may want to further your insight of the body by taking the next step with a hair 3d model. Adding hair to your 3d brain model will give a complete understanding about the human head as a whole.

With that said, investing in a top, ready-made model will pay off over a stretch of time. You will find other methods around that are used to explain the parts of the brain, but none can rival the brain 3d model. The hair 3d model is an added benefit to the brain 3d model in that it furthers the student’s understanding of the brain and the relationship that it has with other parts of the body.

Basically, there are distinctive uses for a 3d brain model. The healthcare industry is just one of many areas where 3d models are used to advance the student or the professional in his or her field.

Looking for a 3d brain model or 3d hair model? Get started with the best way to learn the makeup of a brain by downloading 3d brain model or supplemental hair 3d model today at Flatpyramid.com, the trusted source for 3d models.

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