Digital modeling and fabrication: Difference between revisions

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'''Digital modeling and fabrication''' is a design and production process that combines [[3D modeling]] or [[Computer-aided design|computing-aided design (CAD)]] with additive and subtractive [[manufacturing]]. Additive manufacturing is also known as [[3D printing]], while subtractive manufacturing may also be referred to as [[machining]],<ref>{{Cite web|title = What is digital modeling and fabrication? - Definition from WhatIs.com|url = http://searchmanufacturingerp.techtarget.com/definition/Digital-modeling-and-fabrication|website = SearchManufacturingERP|access-date = 2016-02-17|language = en-US|archive-date = 2017-07-04|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170704033717/http://searchmanufacturingerp.techtarget.com/definition/Digital-modeling-and-fabrication|url-status = dead}}</ref> and many other technologies can be exploitedused to physically produce the designed objects.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Bickel|first1=B.|last2=Cignoni|first2=P.|last3=Malomo|first3=L.|last4=Pietroni|first4=N.|title=State of the Art on Stylized Fabrication|journal=Computer Graphics Forum|date=2018|volume=37|issue=6|pages=325–342|doi=10.1111/cgf.13327|hdl=10453/129681|s2cid=51870522|url=http://vcg.isti.cnr.it/Publications/2018/BCMP18/StylizedFabricationSTAR_Personal.pdf|hdl-access=free}}</ref>

==Modeling==

{{See also|Open Design Alliance}}

Digitally fabricated objects are created with a variety of [[CAD software]] packages, using both [[Vector Graphics|2D vector drawing]], and [[3D modeling]]. Types of 3D models include four models wireframe, solid, surface and mesh. A design is havinghas one or more of these model types.<ref>{{Cite web|title = About Modeling 3D Objects {{!}} AutoCAD {{!}} Autodesk Knowledge Network|url = https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/autocad/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/ENU/AutoCAD-Core/files/GUID-9DACE807-BC9D-4357-B47E-C6199F6AF1A2-htm.html|website = knowledge.autodesk.com|access-date = 2016-02-17}}</ref>

==Machines for fabrication==

Three machinemachines are popular for fabrication:

1. [[CNC router]]

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===CNC milling machine===

CNC stands for "computer numerical control". CNC mills or routers include proprietary software which interprets 2D vector drawings or 3D models and converts this information to a [[G-code]], which represents specific CNC functions in an alphanumeric format, which the CNC mill can interpret. The G-codes drive a [[machine tool]], a powered [[Machine|mechanical device]] typically used to fabricate components.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Five CNC Myths and Misconceptions {{!}} Modern Machine Shop|url = http://www.mmsonline.com/columns/five-cnc-myths-and-misconceptions|website = www.mmsonline.com|access-date = 2016-02-17|first = Mike|last = Lynch| date=19 October 2011 }}</ref> CNC machines are classified according to the number of axes that they possess, with 3, 4 and 5 axis machines all being common, and industrial robots being described with having as many as 9 axes. CNC machines are specifically successful in milling materials such as [[plywood]], [[plastics]], [[foam board]], and metal at a fast speed. CNC machine beds are typically large enough to allow 4' × 8' (123&nbsp;cm x 246&nbsp;cm) sheets of material, including foam several inches thick, to be cut.

===Laser cutter===

{{See also|Water jet cutter}}

The laser cutter is a machine that uses a laser to cut materials such as chip board, matte board, felt, wood, and acrylic up to 3/8 inch (1&nbsp;cm) thickness. The laser cutter is often bundled with a driver software which interprets vector drawings produced by any number of CAD software platforms.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Smart Desktop Laser Cutter and Engraver {{!}} xTool Laser |url=https://www.xtool.com/ |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=www.xtool.com}}</ref>

The laser cutter is able to modulate the speed of the laser head, as well as the intensity and resolution of the laser beam, and as such is able in both to cut and to score material, as well as approximate raster graphics.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Automated Laser Cutting {{!}} Precision Metal Industries|url = http://www.pmiquality.com/services/automated-laser-cutting|website = www.pmiquality.com|access-date = 2016-02-17|first = Precision Metal|last = Industries}}</ref>

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====Selective laser sintering====

Selective laser sintering uses a laser to trace out the shape of an object in a bed of finely powdered material that can be fused together by the application of heat from the laser. After one layer has been traced by a laser, the bed and partially finished part is moved out of the way, a thin layer of the powdered material is spread, and the process is repeated. Typical materials used are alumide, steel, glass, thermoplastics (especially nylon), and certain ceramics. Example devices include the Formiga P 110 and the Eos EosINT P730.

====Powder printer====

Powder printers work in a similar manner to SLS machines, and typically use powders that can be cured, hardened, or otherwise made solid by the application of a liquid binder that is delivered via an inkjet printhead. Common materials are plaster of paris, clay, powdered sugar, wood-filler bonding putty, and flour, which are typically cured with water, alcohol, vinegar, or some combination thereof. The major advantage of powder and SLS machines is their ability to continuously support all parts of their objects throughout the printing process with unprinted powder. This permits the production of geometries not easily otherwise created. However, these printers are often more complex and expensive. Examples of printers using this method are the ZCorp Zprint 400 and 450.

== See also ==

*[[Advanced manufacturing]]

*[[Digital fabricator]]

*[[Direct digital manufacturing]]

*[[Industry 4.0]]

*[[Rapid Prototyping]]

*[[Responsive computer-aided design]]

*[[Technology education]]

==References==

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[[Category:Computer-aided design]]

[[Category:Building technology]]

[[Category:CNCNumerical control]]

[[Category:Laser applications]]

[[Category:Digital manufacturing|Modelling]]