Dear Michael and group:
I posted:
>> ...
>> Please do also consider using CNC based RP systems for concept
>> modelling. These are cheaper by far, and offer a free choice between
>> speed and accuracy. Which type is better (LMT or CNC) depends on the
>> type of model that you need: LMT is best for small, geometry with many
>> inner details (thin walled), CNC is best for styling block models (solid).
>> ...
Michael reacted:
>...
>I have studied 3 axis-5 axis machining searching for this less expensive
>way to accomplish what you describe. I have not found that for my
>application (highly convoluted and complex sculpture) that machining is
>cheaper or faster. A couple of 5 axis job shops have even recommended
>that I build my parts with SLA (can you imagine what a 6' sla sculpture
>would cost? ouch.) ...
As far as I see we do indeed agree: you are using complex geometry in
the sense of 'containing many inner details', which is not
easy to mill.
I did recommend CNC milling only for styling block models:
geometry without undercuts, which may be complex in the sense of
'have a freeform shape'. For most product designs the impossibility to mill
undercuts is not a problem as these geometries need to be produced later
anyway.
For you application where a large size is needed as well currently no
cheap solution is available.
For my type of application the lowcost desktop approach is feasible.
Regards,
Lex Lennings.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delft Spline Systems, The Netherlands.
We offer DeskProto: affordable Rapid Prototyping using CNC milling
mailto:info@spline.nl
website:http://www.deskproto.com
For more information about the rp-ml, see http://ltk.hut.fi/rp-ml/
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