posted
It's (to me, at least) a general description of how you can take a 3D Computer model, and layer-by-layer make it into a physical model.
Some methods involve running a laser beam over a vat of liquid that solidifies when the laser light strikes it.
This model was made using plaster of paris and ink-jet technology:
1) place down a thin layer of plaster of paris powder.
2) Scan the layer with an X-Y plotter head stolen from an HP Deskjet (or similar). Squirt out the ink, and/or a resinous binder, wherever you want to have something solid.
3) Repeat 1 & 2 until complete.
4) Remove the object from the vat of plaster-of-paris powder, and shake off any excess powder. Voila!
I did my BS thesis in course 3 on solid electron-beam freeform fabrication, same concept of building up from scratch using 3D modeling. Of course, your technology is much cooler!
posted
Steve, I can't even begin to tell you how jealous I am of your getting to play with a stereo-lithography printer thingy. I've been drooling over the thought of getting my hands on one of those ever since I first read about them. The battle school model you made sounds cool too, but it's the means by which you created it that has me salivating.
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How expensive was it to create that little model with stereo lithogrophy? My guessis that it was at least $150.
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stereo lithography rules. purdue has an undergrad class where you get to make models, and i've thought about auditing it just so i can have a dalek sitting on my desk. way too much work, though.
very cool, steve. (and this is NWS, so now I don't have to post on philotic to tell you how cool it is)
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Steve, EBSFF is basically a welding process that uses an electron beam to melt wire feed onto a metal substrate. Tie in CAD software and a movable table and you've got 3D printing of metal parts. US Navy requested the study, but my little BS thesis was on the rapid-cooling effect on microstructure of the weld pool. Stereolithography was more developed and already saw practical use at the time, but it was still interesting to forward a new technology.
You wrote (co-wrote) that paper?!? My head is spinning. I'll have to read it later--it's just too deep right now for a leisurely lunch break.
MPH,
I don't know how much it would cost--it was free! It was part of a demo I attended. I am asking, though, as Darian wants to paint one up (he did the beautiful line-art work of the "armoured" Battle School for the Endercon presentation). I haven't heard back from the company that made it for me yet.
posted
Hehe. I wish! Mine was a minor, hence, "BS" role in the project. I always liked that pun. The real geniuses behind it were Professor Eagar (who was also my thesis advisor) and the grad student, John Matz, who now works for Pratt Whitney.
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I always liked that pun. The real geniuses behind it were Professor Eagar (who was also my thesis advisor) and the grad student, John Matz, who now works for Pratt Whitney.
