This is something that model railroad companies should consider getting to assist in creating more accurate models from prototypes that still exist.
https://www.zcorp.com/Products/3D-Scanners/ZScanner-700-PX/spage.aspx
I have no interest in this company, I received an announcement from Zcorp earlier today.
Slowly building a layout since 2007!
Oh boy! I want one of each!
Rapid Prototyping.http://home.utah.edu/~asn8200/rapid.html
The real cost savings (or excuse eliminator) is just around the corner for us. Cad file loaded to a rapid prototyper to produce prototype. After approval, 3D scanners scan the prototype. The file is then fed into a CNC or laser milling machine to produce the needed molds drastically lowering the mold making costs. (which is what everyone claims is the major cost in producing our models even though you can buy lots of highly detailed crap at any store for 50 cents) But THAT'S a whole nother can O worms...
I think we are still a few years away from being able to produce the quality level of models that we demand with these printers. I have worked with some of these parts and while they dimensionally look good the durability is still not the best. The biggest hurdle to making the part is still the data file. currently software packages to create the 3D images, scanners notwithstanding, are expensive and have a pretty steep learning curve. I work with Solidworks (drawing program) and still don't have it mastered after 5 years of messing with it. Out draftsmen on the other hand can do some cool stuff with it. Price is the killer though on it $3000-$4000 per seat. Of course you still need the information to plug into that which means fi you were to make a boxcar model you would essentally need the prototype manufacturers blueprints. It does definatly raise the prospects of posibilities though for one off models.
Dan Pikulski
www.DansResinCasting.com
I agree with Dan.
Rapid prototyping isn't a perfect ready to use part every time. First, the finished part isn't the strongest. And the resolution is "questionable" for tight tolerances. This is only for rough prototyping. And for certain shapes, there will be support spru's which later have to be trimmed off. And you can't rapid prototype metal. You can create metal molds using a process from plastic positive->sand negative mold. But it's a multi step process. And you still have to trim things like flashing on poured metal.
I've prototyped several project parts on CNC machines. Sometimes there's still considerable finishing that has to be done after the CNC cuts it.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
That depends on what 'resolution' one needs for rapid prototyping. The manufacturing processes are evolving in ways that said issues may be overcome in a matter of a few months to a few years. The question around flash et cetera is a given in many cases.--it isn't necessarily that problematic if one looks at these issues realistically.
Any argument carried far enough will end up in Semantics--Hartz's law of rhetoric Emerald. Leemer and Southern The route of the Sceptre Express Barry
I just started my blog site...more stuff to come...
http://modeltrainswithmusic.blogspot.ca/
The rapid prototyper materials are rather expensive and paper-like from what I've seen. Their benefit will be in making the prototype instead of a craftsman having whittle to one out by hand.(Jim at City Classics told me he does that part himself) It's a lot easier to change a few details in a Cad program than hand make a whole new prototype.
I doubt we'll ever get a process that's cheaper than injection molding plastic. If we can just get the high cost out of the mold making/finishing process we'll see a lower cost in the final product. (Maybe..)
loathar I doubt we'll ever get a process that's cheaper than injection molding plastic. If we can just get the high cost out of the mold making/finishing process we'll see a lower cost in the final product. (Maybe..)
although I have learned to "Never Say Never" Injection molding will continue to be the most economical method to mass produce parts. We continue to point the finger at this process as to what is driving the cost of our models, but if you compare a hopper kit to a engine you will see the majority of the engine cost is not in the plastic. The motors, chassis and other assorted parts both plastic and metal is what is driving the engine costs. As far as the high costs of the tool work...well if you can find qualified machinists who are willing to work for min wage then the costs go down. I work closely with a tool shop here in town that has to pay a premium wage just to get the few qualified machinists that have. I keep telling the younk kids I know to go to school for this as it is a high demand field that nobody is going into now. Most of these kids want to go to school for computer design and the field is already saturated with them. To give an example of this, last year I started a project where I needed some simple plastic parts made. I got quotes to have the tooling done localy but had to wait at least a year to get it done. I wound up going overseas to get the parts to keep the project on track. Only recently I was given the OK to have the tools made here to have the parts made in the states. This is all due to the back log of work in the tool shop