Reverse Engineering a Can Holder
We reversed Engineered this 6-pack can holder which is great for quickly snapping cans on to it and easily carry them around. Here’s a brief overview of how we reverse engineered it, improved the design, and then optimized it for injection molding. First, we used 3D System’s Capture scanner to scan directly into Geomagic’s Design X. With a resolution of .110 mm, and an accuracy of .060 mm, we were able to capture even the finest details. Since the base geometry is patterned, we just needed to ensure that we capture enough geometry of one can holder and then we used CAD to pattern the other 5 holders. With Geomagic’s Design X we are able to interrogate our scan and trace the outline of each feature that we needed in order to recreate the sketches and features in our CAD file and then check the deviation between our CAD model and the original scan data. When done, we did a “Live Transfer,” meaning we exported the feature tree out to our CAD software. This allowed us to make modifications to the design as if it was natively created in CAD. We were able to leverage this and strengthen the areas that had failed [...]
Mastercam 2019 Is Available for Purchase
In case you haven't already heard . . . The latest software from the world’s leading CAD/CAM creator has been released and is now available for purchase. Mastercam 2019 was developed to streamline your manufacturing process from job set-up to job completion. Highlights of Mastercam 2019 include improvements to: Preparation/Setup Improve efficiency and reduce job setup time with enhanced CAD model import support, improved part preparation, fixture setup, and expanded support for model-based definition (MBD). Tool Support Expanded digital tool libraries deliver accurate tool assembly models and access to the latest cutting tool technology, with added support for Accelerated Finishing™ and more. CNC Programming Increase productivity and programming efficiency with new 2D through 5-axis toolpath improvements, new Lathe and Mill-Turn machining support, and new Swiss machine functionality. Validation Improved toolpath and machine simulation, toolpath graphics, and other verification and analysis tools provide greater programming assurance for confident, informed decisions before the job is run. Job Management & Documentation An array of system-level enhancements improves job documentation and management – addressing quality and certification initiatives with new visualization and section view tools, improvements to view and setup sheets, and much more. The evolution of Dynamic Motion™ technology continues to maximize machining speed and efficiency. [...]
Rize 3D Printing in Life Sciences
Life Sciences, in this case, the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, have various applications in which 3D printing can contribute real value. The needs are very specific and there are a few crucial requirements: In clinical applications, all of these requirements hold true. But what's more is that the printer must be safe to use and parts must be able to be sterilized. For medical devices, parts must also be very strong so they can be used in functional settings. The Rize One provides a safe and secure solution the Life Sciences. The patented ADP process creates near isotropic parts, with minimal post processing and zero Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs. In this case study Conmed, a global medical device manufacturer, had a need for parts with great surface quality, strength and markup. Using Rize they were able to first create functional prototypes, followed by molds for pouring silicon and low-temperature plastic. After realizing the possibilities, they expanded their use of the Rize to create end-use replacement parts: handles, other parts of assemblies, and tooling. An added benefit of the Rize is in its ability of jetting marking inks, which allows Conmed to efficiently trace parts in their inventory. Aside from Medical Devices, [...]
Mastercam 2019 Advanced Toolpath Display
Mastercam 2019 now displays toolpaths with different colors, based on the move type. The following image depicts a part with a Dynamic OptiRough toolpath, with Advanced Display toggled on. This is unavailable for Wire toolpaths. If Advanced Display is not toggled on, Mastercam displays only cutting motion and rapid motion in different colors. Change the display state by selecting Advanced Display on the View tab. Set these colors in the System Configuration dialog box on the Advanced Toolpath Display page, which is located under Colors. You can also set colors by selecting the dialog box-launcher for Advanced Display. You can also change the line style, line width, and other attributes. For drill toolpaths, you can set the color, line style, and line width of the drill tool diameter. Use the drop-down menu to display different sections of the toolpath. For example, if you deselect Exit Motion, then any exit motion does not display in the graphics window. You can also toggle the display from the Toolpaths Manager. Classic Backplot and Mastercam Simulator display the customized toolpath colors if the Advanced Display toggle is on. If it is not, the default colors display. Stay tuned to many more tips and tricks on Mastercam 2019 [...]
Form 2 Engineering Materials
The Form 2 3D printer offers professional-level 3D printing at a lower barrier to entry relative to industrial SLA machines. It is capable of producing detailed models with smooth surface finish, making it a sound solution for iterative prototyping, fixtures and manufacturing tooling. The Form 2 currently has 6 engineering grade materials in its portfolio, each with their own unique characteristics and benefits and they include . . . • Grey Pro Resin is a versatile material great for concept modeling and functional prototyping. It offers high precision with moderate elongation and low creep. • Rigin Resin is a glass filled resin that offers very high stiffness. Great for printing thin walls and features, it is highly resistant to deformation over time and provides a polished finish. • Durable Resin specializes in low friction and wear, making it ideal for bearings, ball & joints, and snap-fits. It offers smooth glossy finish and high resistance to deformation. • High Temp Resin has the highest heat deflection temperature of 289 C and can be used for models with environmental testing, or molds for casting and thermoforming. • Flexible Resin is best used for parts with ergonomic features that bend and compress. It can simulate soft-touch [...]
Formlabs Introduces Ceramic Resin and Changes Everything
Formlabs formally recently announced a new ceramic resin for the Form 2 3D printer. This is a notable departure from their traditional materials, which have up to now been various types of photopolymers. While they’ve marketed strong, flexible and colorful materials, they’ve never released a ceramic resin, until now. Ceramic 3D prints are highly desirable in a number of situations, and are produced in quite a different manner. The Form 2’s normal photopolymer process simply involves solidifying the liquid resin with a laser and curing the completed print in a UV bath, ceramic processing requires different steps. Formlabs explains that the ceramic resin is first 3D printed in the same manner, although they do provide a number of tips to ensure a more reliable result, such as adjusting designs to fit within ceramic tolerances and roughening the build platform for extra special adhesiveness. The differences are after the print completes. The “green” part is removed from the Form 2, and supports are trimmed off. There is no need for further UV curing, as the print then is placed in a ventilated kiln. I should point out that Formlabs does not supply a kiln, and you should be able to find one from many [...]