Antw.:Multiple Build materials
From:
Juergen Bauer (University of Bremen)
Date:
Monday, July 25, 1994
From: Juergen Bauer (University of Bremen)
To: Chuck Kirschman (Clemson University)
Cc: RP-ML
Date: Monday, July 25, 1994
Subject: Antw.:Multiple Build materials
Chuck Kirschman wrote:
>I guess the far end of this discussion is a "machining center", where we
>have a CNC mill and the capaility to move into an RP center. Here we
>could automatically build just about anything, using the additive and
>subtractive processes jointly.
When I am correctly informed, the current approach of the MD* - process is very much like this. Ask
Prof. Fritz Prinz from Carnegie Mellon for more details; he is on the rp-mailing list, too (greetings !). His
email address is fbp@andrew.cmu.edu
Generally, your remark reveals a basic question about RP techniques compared to classic
manufacturing techniques. I see the three main reasons for applicacion of RPT in:
1. Nearly automated manufacuring out of CAD-Geometry "on a keystroke", without manual selection of
tools, toolpaths layouts, fixtures, etc.
2. Freeform manufacturing, nearly unlimitated shapes are manufacturable.
3. RPT is free from cutting forces.
So, it would be no question wether to use RPT or not, if machinery working after "classical" principles behave RPT-like. The first clue to this would be CAM- systems with yet unseen automation capabilities, to generate the toolpaths and machine & robot control codes "on a keystroke", as mentioned. The second is an integrated system incorporating machine tool, robot technology and sensorbased self-adaptive control, setting up only very little restriction to the shape manufacturable and replacing expensive fixturing. The third issue is, that a force-free manufacturing is only necessary in some cases. For Rapid Tooling, where very durable dies & moulds are to build, it is not. On the other hand, well-known techniques like flame-cutting, waterjet- cutting and laser - cutting are forcefree, too. Imagine a workstation that automatically laser-cuts and assembles 3D-structures out of a stiff sheet material by robot technology - this should not be so far apart, because all basic technologies are available.
;-) In contrast, I admit that such processes, combining and optimising known technology, are not so
well suited as a "trojan horse" to bring new ways of cooperative work and organisational structures to
existing companies.
This is a private opinion - I would be interested if you think I am right or wrong.
Juergen
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