I agree with Preston's point, which is the same advantage of any process
that starts with a 3-D CAD solid model. Once you have that CAD model, you
can use the same data for the RP model, for use in collaborative virtual
environments, for making rapid design modifications, and in final
production.
The question that was being argued, however, was time. If you start the
clock running with the moment someone has an idea, it takes a little extra
time to generate that CAD model and then a physical model than it does to
make a quick sketch and hand carve a piece of foam.
Brock Hinzmann
Preston Smith wrote:
>At 09:43 AM 10/15/97 -0400, Marina Hatsopoulos wrote:
>>
>>>But back to the metrics. Rapid? OK, faster than other RP machines, but
>>>still slower than making crude concept models from foam.
>>>
>>>Brock Hinzmann
>>>SRI International
>>
>>In fact, this is not at all the case relative to Z Corp.'s Z402 system.
We
>>challenge anyone to make a foam model of any complex geometry in the
time we
>>can print it out on our system. We have virtually no geometric
limitations
>>and a print speed that is an order of magnitude faster than any other
system
>>on the market.
>>
>>Marina Hatsopoulos
>>Z Corporation
>>617-628-2781
>
>Another big advantage of 3D printers over hand-made foam models is that
>they exhibit all of the warts that may be in the solid model data base,
>whereas the foam models are subject to inevitable human interpretation.
>
>Regards,
>Preston Smith CMC
>
>New Product Dynamics tel: +1 (503) 248-0900
>Portland, Oregon USA fax: +1 (503) 294-1192
>
>
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