multi-axis rapid prototyping
DESCRIPTION
Multi-axis Rapid Prototyping. Neil Sewell Dr. Martin Jenkins & Dr. Richard Everson. Overview. What is RP, why use it, who uses it? Previous work Current work and Future work Lab demonstration. Rapid Prototyping – 3 types. Type 1 - DTM Laser sinterstation. Rapid Prototyping. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Multi-axis Rapid Prototyping
Neil Sewell
Dr. Martin Jenkins & Dr. Richard Everson
Overview
What is RP, why use it, who uses it?
Previous work
Current work and Future work
Lab demonstration
Rapid Prototyping – 3 types Type 1 - DTM Laser sinterstation
Rapid Prototyping Type 2 - 3D Systems’
Stereolithography
Rapid Prototyping Type 3 - 3D Printers
RP – Why use it? Injection moulds are expensive to
produce
One-off test pieces can be used in real world
Great for real world ergonomic testing
RP – Who uses it?
Virtually all major device manufacturers
Designers & Prototypers
One-off producers
Previous work... SARP is Single Axis Rapid
Prototyping
SARP – Single Axis RP SARP is quick, cheap and easy.
Allows building of quite complex models
Is fast and efficient
But… Will not allow for large overhangs Is not to the same resolution
Examples of SARP Cubes
Spheres
Arches
Logos
Current work... MARP is Multi Axis Rapid Prototyping
Still uses VMC, Hot glue nozzle and glue
Different, more complex software
Add-on 4th and 5th Axis units to rotate models
MARP – Multi Axis RP
Models with overhangs could be built
Building direction is continuously changed
Models created would of better quality
The process would be quicker
How to MARP – Step 1
Perform analysis of object - create a usable data structure.
How to MARP – Step 2 Select start location & direction
How to MARP - Step 3 Start the edge following process
How to MARP – Step 4 Create machine instructions
Use glue path to locate x,y,z position
Use facet data to provide rotation values
Use collision detection methods!
(Lab demonstration at end of presentation)
Latest Work Uses many rules
Edge vector creation & analysis Unnecessary edge deletion & detection Improvement & Optimisation techniques
Current problems include Holes in model Sticky tight corners Finishing problems
Conclusion MARP work is going well - But is
difficult
Software Multiple data lists Edge following Uses Downhill Simplex Method Started testing Simulated Annealing
Conclusion Realism with MARP - What can it
build?
Difficult shapes
Disjoint shapes
Really complex shapes?
Thank you for listening…
Questions
Visit to lab for Multi-Axis demonstration