One of the first recorded examples on the development of 3D parts by
stacking 2.5D cross-sections is that by a person called Blanter (1892). He
made topological maps by tracing the indiviual contour lines (from contour
maps) onto wax sheets. These sheets were then cut and the cross-section
stacked manually, one on top of the other, as per the order. The 3D
objects thus obatined, were then smoothened with wax to minimize the
"staircase effect" (Perhaps it can also be considered to be the origin of
1st order slicing). If I am not mistaken, the paper maps were then pressed
over these scaled models of the terrain to get what could be called "3D
maps".
Hope this helps
Regards
Tushar
On Fri, 3 Sep 1999, David Bourell wrote:
> >I'm trying to find information on the history/development of RP prior
> >to the patent being issued for the stereolithography machine in March
> >1986, and the formation of 3D systems.
> >
>
> Chapter 1 of our book has a historical perspective on rapid prototyping
> dating back to 1890!
>
> J.J. Beaman, J. W. Barlow, D.L. Bourell, R.H. Crawford, H. L. Marcus, K.P.
> McAlea, "Solid Freeform Fabrication: A New Direction In Manufacturing",
> Kluwer Academic Press, Boston, 1997, 330 pages.
>
>
> Dr. Dave Bourell
> Temple Foundation Professor
> University of Texas at Austin
> Mechanical Engineering
> MC C2200
> Austin, Texas 78712-1063
> USA
>
> +512-471-3170 voice
> +512-471-7681 fax
>
> dbourell@mail.utexas.edu
>
> ****************************************
>
>
>
> For more information about the rp-ml, see http://ltk.hut.fi/rp-ml/
>
For more information about the rp-ml, see http://ltk.hut.fi/rp-ml/
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