3D Printers Enable “Texture Prototyping” with PolyJet Technology
3D Printers Enable “Texture Prototyping” with PolyJet Technology
The growing use of textured parts and components in today’s industry
has increased dependence on high quality models. Textural requirements
intensify the challenge of designing more detailed 3-D models and push
the limit for the use of effective RP solutions. But, such models can
be produced easily using PolyJet™ Technology due to the ultra-thin
layer thickness and high printing resolution.”
“3-D texture has primarily been used for visualization, appearance and
rendering purposes,” says Mr. Antonius Köster, Director of Modellbau
and Innovative Cad Cam Solutions.
“Yet, 3-D printing of Objet’s parts provides the exact next step
required to have these actual models in hand, printed in high-quality
with remarkably fine details.
In today’s competitive market, manufacturers in almost every industry
are under pressure to meet increasingly complex demands for high
quality and unforgiving deadlines – all with maximal cost
effectiveness. The way to meet these challenges is through the use of
advanced, high-end equipment. As manufacturers see the opportunities
that advanced equipment can open for them, many are changing the way
they produce textured design models. By using new-age manufacturing
methods to produce unusual textured exteriors, they are able to create
highly innovative products.
Manufacturers are caught between opposing business pressures. On the
one hand, they and their customers are seeking to develop detailed and
distinctively textured products and get to market faster. On the other
hand, they find it challenging to achieve these targets while still
using traditional rapid prototyping solutions.
With most rapid prototyping technologies, highly detailed textured
models are either impossible or too time-consuming to make. However,
PolyJet Technology makes it both possible and practical. With the
smooth surfaces and high printing resolution of PolyJet models, the
technology provides the perfect solution.
Direct Texturing (DT) is the manufacturing process that produces forms,
prototypes and series-production parts with defined texturing or
“scarred” surfaces (e.g. car dashboards and other leather-look parts).
Molds used for embossing can be manufactured with a textured surface
using DT, thereby reducing the number of production steps and
eliminating the need for cylinders and silicone molds.
The mold, or the object itself, is designed on a CAD system. The data
for the textural and decorative elements (e.g. pictograms, logos, etc.)
is stored in graphic format files. The DT, CAD, and decorative
features’ data are combined and then processed together. Textural
properties such as depth and shape can be changed. Controls and results
are displayed on the screen.
At the end of the process, a 3-D file is generated, and the object, with the specified textures included, can be manufactured.
A full solution for textured applications must also overcome the
difficulties of creating textures on materials that cannot be textured
by using etching processes.
The concept of printing textured models while using RP technology comes
with a unique set of strengths and advantages that cater to this niche
application. Over time, the advantages of this system will become
increasingly obvious due to the potential timesavings that it offers in
the development phase. 3-D printing of textured applications provides
the opportunity to reduce the number of steps to produce a finished
product, thus improving turnaround time.
An additional advantage of this technology is the digital description
of the texture, which makes it reproducible and opens the door for its
use with a wide variety of materials. After evaluating the design of
the texture by using high resolution rapid prototyping systems, the
data can be used for milling, spar erosion or laser engraving.
Using 3-D texture data technologies enables designers to design a
texture before manufacturing and review the surface using high
resolution PolyJet Technology, and then proceed with printing exactly
the same texture in molds. 3-D texture applications are used to
decorate parts, exhibit a unique appearance or demonstrate a higher
value.
In addition, while designing light weight structures, 3-D textures can
strengthen thin materials and can be used for improving aero- and fluid
dynamics.
www.2objet.com
About the author:
Objet Geometries Ltd is a 3D Printing pioneer in photopolymer jetting,
develops, manufactures and globally markets (16 microns ultra-thin-layer
high-resolution rapid prototyping) 3D Printers, which produce 3D models
featuring ultra smooth surfaces and very fine details.
www.2objet.com
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