Rapid Prototype Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Quick’

The full video is here: Part 1: www.youtube.com Part 2: www.youtube.com Part 3: www.youtube.com StickOS is an MCU-resident rapid prototyping and education environment for highly integrated MCUs. It makes the internal MCU functionality trivially available to a large class of users who don’t otherwise want to become MCU experts. Literally in minutes, hobbyists, researchers, and students can have useful embedded systems up and running, taking advantage of all of the MCU integrated peripheral functionality, as well as Zigbee wireless functionality, without ever understanding traditional MCU I/O registers or software development environments. StickOS is flashed onto the MCU once, and from then on the user can control the MCU thru a USB, Ethernet, or Zigbee interface using just a terminal emulator. Internal to the MCU is an entire resident StickOS BASIC programming environment (including an easy-to-use editor, compiler, flasher, and debugger), where external pins are mapped to special “pin variables” for manipulation or examination, and internal peripherals are managed by BASIC control statements and interrupt handlers. When coupled with an MC1320x Zigbee wireless transport, the MCU may be remotely controlled through another MCU, via a telnet/rlogin-like interface, eliminating the need for a direct USB or Ethernet connection to the host computer. Additionally, BASIC programs can access variables remotely from other MCUs, enabling the use of “remote pin variables” or other forms …

www.reallusion.com Since the models from Google SketchUp are still, we can convert Sketchup 3D models into iClone to make real-time movies eaily like this video.

Who are companies there for cheap and instant quotes for custom designed small sized mechanical and plastic parts in 1-10 quantities without going long way around making molds etc? / Alternative way to do tooling?

Ok, I got a great answer yesterday as EmachineShops, but looking for few more to compare. Cheap, fast and don’t ask for bulk quantities.

Prior to 3D printing technology, prototype models were typically a very time consuming process. Draftsmen and modeling craftsman would create a 3D model out of wood, clay, polymers, resins or other materials to bring an architect’s or product designer’s drawings to a live mock up. For small items, the prototype would be modeled to size. For large objects, such as buildings and developments, the prototype would be drastically scaled down.

Regardless of material and project, this was a painstakingly slow process. The advent of the 3D printer has enabled a prototyping capability in much less time.  The technology employs the use of inkjet print heads that apply an adhesive to which multi-layers of resin powder are distributed. An alternate methodology utilizes a fused application of molten polymers.  Many manufacturers of these 3D printers offer them in either the powdered resin or melted polymer versions.

Being able to replicate a design using the 3D printing technology is almost naturally compatible with CAD (computer assisted design). Because of the ability of these printers to capture micro detailing, prototypes with intricate components are easily captured, printed and ready for assembly. As the technology is continually being developed, the end results have consistently improved.

Previously, as with most new technological developments, the original introduction of these 3D printers into the market was price prohibitive for most small to medium companies.  Only the larger firms with room in their budgets for expensive equipment and technology were able to afford them. This restricted the ability of the small to medium firms to compete on bid work that required prototyping as a specification in the contract.

Fortunately, as the technology has improved, the cost of these 3D desktop printers has come down out of the stratosphere.  Smaller organizations are now able to afford this prototyping technology that enables them to have the same competitive edge that was previously enjoyed by larger firms. They are now able to emulate even the most intricate of designs with the same level of precision. Rapid prototyping is now a capability of even the smallest firms as the 3D printers are now within their budgetary expense allotments.

Additionally, because the 3D printing allows for creation of rapid prototypes of the original design, the labor cost savings of manual modeling has been alleviated.  The savings in labor well outweighs the purchase cost of the 3D printer itself. With the capability of rapid prototyping of even mechanical design functions, the smaller organization can readily produce models for client presentation and review.

With the lowered cost of 3D printers, combined with the functionality, lowered labor costs and the ability to rapidly produce prototypes, the expense of the printing unit itself is no longer prohibitive. Smaller companies that have been waiting for the appropriate time to invest in the 3D printing technology should take notice that the time for consternation is over.  The purchase of a 3D printer to enable your rapid prototyping needs is now a business expense that is warranted to give your company the creative design edge.

Easily And Rapidly Shift Low-performance To High Success Using These Audios And Ebooks By Business & Marketing Performance Success Expert Angela Treat Lyon.

Quick Performance Success.