Related Information
Output Devices
Plotter Type Machines
A significant number of computer-numerically-controlled (CNC) tools depend primarily on movement in only the x and y axis to make flat shapes. This type of control is often called 2 1/2D machining, and was first applied to traditional cutting tools such as oxy-acetylene torches for steel cutting, milling and drilling machines and knives for cutting vinyl, card materials and cloth in the advertising, sign, point-of-purchase and fashion industries. Plotter - type computer controls also helped automate traditional operations such as nailing and drilling while taming modern cutting tools such as laser cutters, water-jet cutters and plasma cutters. These machines typically require simple, 2D cad software and drawing plot files in HPGL format for operation.
CNC Machine Tools
Computer-numerically-controlled (CNC) machine tools are the workhorses of CNC manufacturing technology, and are responsible for assisting in the manufacture of virtually everything we purchase or use today - from the swoopy-shaped toothbrush you used this morning to the soles of your running shoes to the curves of the new GSD library furniture. CNC has been applied to 2-axis tools such as lathes, cut-off tools and slitting operations, but perhaps the most significant applications are found in 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis tools such as milling machines, stone cutting equipment, grinders, router tables, robotic welders, material handlers and an astonishing variety of other tools. These tools require sophisticated CAD/CAM software to translate three-dimensional models into simple text files that directly control tool motion through combinations of linear and rotational motion, such as .TAP and .CNC file formats.
These tools are deeply embedded in industrial processes where they have been in use for over three decades, and they are having a growing visible effect in building technology. The importance of this family of tools is reflected in the fact that the first two CAD/CAM tools purchased by the GSD were the LM-1000 CNC milling machine and the larger CNC router. They remain the backbone of our CNC manufacturing capabilities. More recently we added a CNC Prototrac knee mill to the machines tools - a device that allows the machining of metals in addition to softer materials.
Robotic Manipulators
Robotic devices allow unprecedented flexiblity in terms of applications and programming. At present we are installing a large 6-axis robotic manipulator that will be primarily used for multi-axis milling as well as abrasive waterjet cutting. A smaller 6-axis robot is used for material handling and related experiments. These devices are programmed using offline simulation environments such as RobotMaster and RobotStudio.
3D Rapid Prototyping
Rapid Prototyping Devices Main Page
The most direct methods yet developed to make objects from 3D digital files include a variety of 3D Rapid Prototyping processes including stereolithography, selective laser sintering, fused deposition modeling, laminated object manufacturing and 3D printing. Printing with thermoplastics or powders and glues that use modified print heads to build up layers of material thousandths of an inch at a time have become the technology of choice for rapid prototyping in the design environment. These machines typically require CAD software capable of drawing surfaces or solids with 3-Dimensional characteristics that are exported in IGES or STL file formats.
Digital Input Devices
Digital Input Devices Main Page
Hand-operated input devices remain the standard for entering 2D and 3D geometries into digital media, but improvements in accuracy, speed and features accompany improvements in CAD software. The 2D digitizing pad and stylus have been largely replaced with more accurate mice, keyboard shortcuts and menu-driven drawing features.
The MicroScribe Desktop 3D digitizer and the SensAble Technologies Phantom haptic interface allow complex geometries to be entered directly into 3D digital files. Since 2005 a photogrammetry system is also available.
GSD Input Device Resources:
- The MicroScribe-3D Desktop Digitizer is a convenient tool for entering 3D data into commonly used applications such as Rhino or AutoCAD (reverse-engineering of existing physical models). 3D digitizers incorporating freely-moving articulated arms allow complex shapes to be accurately reproduced by entering "point-clouds" in three dimensions by simply touching the object or model with the point of the device and clicking.
- The SensAble Technologies Phantom Desktop System incorporates the Freeform modeling system to provide "digital clay" that can be "carved" using an articulated haptic interface device providing real-time force-feedback to the user. This technology allows users to use the sense of touch as well as sight and sound to interact with digital media. A digital object can actually be "felt" using the Phantom Desktop System, and then printed directly with our 3D-prototyping machines in a matter of hours.
- The Minolta Vivid 3D Scanner a portable laser-based 3D Digitizing system capable of scanning samples ranging in size from 0,7m x 0,7m to 1,1m x 1,1m. The digital models obtained are surface models that export in any common 3D modeling application.
- Roland Modela MDX-15 Milling Machine is capable of scanning and milling, ideal for a variety of product design tasks, including reverse engineering, rapid prototyping, jewelry and model making, and small lot production. At the GSD, this tool is only used for digitizing.
Wood- and Metal Shop
Wood- and Metal Shop Main Page
Our traditional shop offers extensive support for model and prototyping activities in wood, metal, thermoformable plastics, and others. The structural testing machine allows users to determine the mechanical properties of material specimens.
Software
SolidWorks, CATIA, MasterCam, and SpectraCam provide tools for defining two and three - dimensional models and preparing files to control individual machines. Workshops that teach basic and advanced software skills are offered regularly throughout both the fall and the spring term.