Overview
“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.
The ever-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.”
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.
Instruction
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.
Process
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.
Reader Note
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.
Disclaimer
Objet Geometries Ltd. is not responsible
for the misuse of our products or their use in conjunction with unsafe
or improperly maintained equipment or for uses other than intended as
specified in this application note.
Pictures and application review are courtesy of Antonius Köster, Modellbau, CAD CAM Solutions,
www.direct-texturing.com
Back to rapid prototyping applications - main page