'real' 3D

[Sonadora]

Earlier in one thread I saw the mention of 3D scanning. In another thread I saw something about building 3D models. Well check it out! The technology exists.

https://www.nextengine.com/indexSecure.htm

This is a desktop 3D scanner. I saw it demonstrated this year and it's amazing. Of course, it only scans small items, but this could be an interesting tool for 'remodeling' if you've already got a small model of a vessel.

However, the coolest thing going right now for making a model is RPM or Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing. These machines 'print' your model from seemingly thin air (or toner particles or resin). This technology has been around in the form of STL (Stereo Lithography), but it was prohibitively expensive. Today, using various methods, models can be printed (yes, that's the correct term) using built up layers of particles. Some of the machines use a powder, others use thin substrates that are glued then cut (imagine hull stations with a CI of .001"). I had one such model made of my boat using Stratasys equipment (http://www.stratasys.com). You can see the model on my site: http://sail2live.com/boats/sonadora/coolstuff.html. As soon as I get around to it, I'm going to finish it off with rigging.

Now, before you go running off to get your models made, these suckers are expensive. The quote for this thing was about $1000 (yeah, 1 THOUSAND dollars...it helps to have friends in the right place )

Prices are falling rapidly. The machines themselves are relatively inexpensive (around $20,000). For high end customers, $1000 is pocket change. And the cool thing is that a lot of these manufacturers will do one part for you for FREE. The service I used was RedEye: http://www.redeyerpm.com/.

Cheers,

Rick

[westlawn5554X]

Cool stuff, cheap option to built a scanning, remodeling and printing 3D facility locally.

1. scanner $2400+
2. Solidwork program
3. Printing facility $20,000+

yes?

Student

[marshmat]

A lot of the cost of those 3D models goes to covering the cost of the machine, and profit. Actual operating cost (ie. consumables only) is about $10 per cubic inch of model on a typical modern RP machine.

[Sonadora]

Matt is correct. The consumables are a killer. Labor is fairly minimal as it really is simply File->Print. Also, there is usually some re-work that needs to be done on the model. There are limitations to wall thickness. I modeled my boat 1 to 1 then scaled it down to fit their platen (~18 inches). The original 1 1/2" hull thickness ended up being about .2mm. Too thin.

[westlawn5554X]

It seem Rhino3D also have the capabality to print 3D within thier program and it is http://www.stratasys.com friendly. Is this any different from solidwork performance?

Student