Manufacturing

Additive design, 3D printing, Traditional CAD, Traditional CAM, Hybrid Machining, 3D Scanning, Scan Processing, Reverse Engineering, Inspection . . . Each discipline is evolving exponentially on its own, but each also crosses over into neighboring technologies, all contributing to the rapidly evolving world we refer to as “Manufacturing”.

In studying the sciences, one can quickly come to the conclusion that all disciplines are subsets of Physics. When Biology, Math, and Chemistry students advance to high-level courses they realize how the sciences are interwoven, dependent on each other and all are powerful contributors to the study of Physics.

In our world, it’s all about “Manufacturing”.

Products like Mastercam, offering a “Subtractive Manufacturing” process, continues to improve its toolpathing capabilities in areas such as multi-axis machining, adaption of new cutting technologies, new toolpath styles, and evolving machinery capabilities for faster throughput, better efficiency and expanded tool life.

3D Printing, offering an “Additive Manufacturing” process, continues to grow in material options, printing efficiency, speed and reduction of cost.

But consider how 3D Printers have limitations such as; part sizes, post-processing options, part accuracy, surface finish and supported materials. Remarkably similar parameters to consider when selecting new CNC machinery for Subtractive applications.

Scanning and Scan Processing was used historically for capturing assets for display on websites, Virtual Reality systems, Internet gaming and, of course, 3D Printing.

So where are we today?

  • Emerging, visionary software developers now create CAD tools specific for Additive part design.
  • Companies that develop CNC programming software are beginning to integrate mesh processing and support for Additive technology, in order to provide Hybrid programming capabilities.
  • CNC machine manufacturers are starting to design Hybrid machines as well, capable of Milling, Turning and 3D Printing.
  • 3D Printer manufacturers are starting to integrate the Printing of extremely usable, production-grade materials such as various metals, Nylon and glass-filled Carbon.
  • Where 3D Printed parts were once considered for concept models and prototypes only, today some Printer quality can produce fully functional production parts.
  • 3D Printing of production parts can reduce/eliminate the need to create some mechanical assemblies as printable features may not be machine-able.
  • Additive design optimization is a reality by placing constraints into the software and having the software create the model.
  • Scan processing manufacturers are able to transition from mesh to fully editable CAD data.
  • Software can compare the scan of a manufactured part to its nominal CAD model to produce complete inspection reports.
  • Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) is deployed to enable the “inspection model” creation within CAD software and be seamlessly transferred into inspection software.
  • 3D Printers and scanners both work with identical file formats, making the sharing of data very simple.

We are heading to a fully integrated Manufacturing world where all of this standalone technology works together! Where developers create connections to provide easier access to complementary products and technologies.

Each technology discussed was conceived as standalone yet creative individuals have come up with ways for them to seamlessly work together for the betterment of the world we know of as “Manufacturing”.