"Viewpoint" is a monthly
column authored by Terry Wohlers for Time-Compression
Technologies.
This column was published in the January/February 2007 issue.
Viewpoint:
A Jaw-Dropping Display of Color Models
The 3DP User Group organized the world's
most impressive collection of color models produced by 3D printing.
By Terry Wohlers
I had the
privilege of attending the 3DP Users Group meeting the past two years.
This is the annual meeting of users of Z Corporation's 3D printers. I
did not know what to expect before attending the October 2005 event
because it was my first. I enjoyed the presentations and other
activities, but it was the display of parts that made the biggest
impression. The wide spectrum of color models and prototypes, and the
range of industries represented, were unprecedented. I had seen many
examples in the past at industry meetings and expositions, but the
collective impact did not rival what I saw at the 2005 user meeting. The
October 2006 meeting was just as impressive, with even more parts and
applications over the previous year.
A question in the
minds of many is this: How would one take advantage of color to model
and prototype new designs? The vast number of examples at these two user
meetings helped to answer this question.
The following is
a sampling of the estimated 200 models that were on display at the
October 2006 meeting. Most were produced on the Spectrum Z510 printer.
Images of the parts are at www.zcorp.com/tct..
The numbers correspond with the images.
Tammy
Schroyer of SAIC Fredrick, Inc. used the Visual Molecular Dynamics
software to produce the digital data for this helix molecular model.
She worked closely with the scientist to ensure the usefulness of it
for visualization.
This is a
model of a subterranean chemical plume that is located under an
industrial plant. The model was created from soil core samples and
represents the actual site. 3D Rapid Prototyping, a division of
SolderMask, Inc., created the model for C Tech Development Corp.
I had never
seen anything quite like this haunted house. Recent graduates
Patricia Beck and David Liversidge of WJ Mouat High School created
it with 3D Max. The two have started a 3D animation company called
DXLAB.
Patricia Beck
and David Liversidge also produced this "man on a stool"
creation.
Artist Robert
Geshlider created this interesting piece of art, titled Man with a
Hat, using SolidWorks. 3D Rapid Prototyping fabricated the part.
3D Rapid
Prototyping also produced this Nemo and Scooby Doo, although little
else is know about them.
John Braun of
Alchemy Models, Inc. produced this small but striking architectural
model.
Leslie
Penfield and Richard Langdon of Spirax Sarco, Inc. produced this
model of a heat exchanger Package. The product is sold to hospitals,
universities and hotels. All parts of the models were produced with
a Z Corp. 3D printer, except for the fasteners. Unlike all of the
other parts described in this article, this model was hand-painted.
This is a
model of Cyclotrons system that is used for treating cancer
patients. It was provided by Indiana University.
Blue Sky
International did the work for this globe. It was produced from
actual satellite imaging data.
Kiewit
Engineering used AutoCAD and ZEdit from Z Corp. to prepare the data
for this model of a large crane. It was used for marine construction
work on the west coast.
Reebok
provided the data needed to produce this shoe sole model (bottom).
The actual shoe sole is shown at the top of the picture.
Sterlings
Custom Fabrications provided the model of this human spine. In addition,
Motorola modeled and printed relatively new mobile phone designs and
Brady Peters of Foster and Partners was involved in the design and
printing of an intricate design of an architectural structure for a new
stylish building.
I spent hours
studying the models, asking questions and exploring ways in which one
might apply color to modeling and prototyping. Certain types of parts
produced by additive fabrication do not benefit from color. As examples,
patterns used to produce silicone rubber tooling and patterns for
investment casting can be monochrome. Likewise, most parts used for fit
and function testing do not benefit much from color. However, when
creating models to communicate ideas for new products, it is often more
effective to use multiple colors.
Some of the most
interesting and exciting applications of color are found in several
emerging market areas. Among them are
architectural/engineering/construction (A/E/C), geographic information
systems (GIS), medicine, figurines and action figures from video games.
Without color, the growth of these markets would be slow or they may not
develop at all.
The 3DP User
Group is providing ideas and inspiration to many that could benefit from
the use of color. As the number of examples expands, I am convinced that
color will play a critical role in the fabrication of models, prototypes
and finished manufactured products. The impressive display of models at
the past two 3DP User Group Meetings is compelling evidence. TCT
Industry consultant, analyst and speaker Terry Wohlers is principal
consultant and president of Wohlers Associates, Inc. (Fort Collins,
Colorado, USA).
For more information visit wohlersassociates.com.
