Example 10: Ceramic Model of Consumer Product
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Problem: To obtain data from a one-of-a-kind ceramic prototype model (sculpted by an
artist) for rapid prototyping purposes. Due to the delicate nature of this prototype model, the piece
needed to be measured using a method that would not distort / damage the sculpted part
surface.
Process: The creation of the required data called for a very dense ‘point cloud’ of
data. The process used on this piece involved the use of a 3-Dimensional laser digitizing system. Up to
500,000 individual data points were originally measured from the piece, which was then significantly
reduced to around 100,000 points for the creation of the rapid prototyping data file
(.STL format). Solution: The measured ‘point cloud’ was imported into one of our advanced CAD
software packages for processing. Each point was connected to its neighboring points in the form of
triangles. These triangles collectively create the required mesh which rapid prototyping machines need
for model creation. |
