Modelling and prototyping

Question 1

What are the 3 types of modelling?

Answer 1

Sketch modelling
Rapid prototyping using CAD/CAM
Virtual modelling

Question 2

What are the advantages of using sketch modelling?

Answer 2

Help to determine shape, dimension and surface details
Use softwoods like jeluong and balsa woods or hardwoods such as scots pine, whitewood and parana pine
Or u can use form
These help the designing to feel the ergonomics of a product such as bottle and dimensions

Question 3

What are the advantages of using rapid prototyping?

Answer 3

It creates accurate prototypes that was exactly drawn in CAD and helps with accurate testing as there are a variety of resins to mimic materials
Reduces development time - can take 3-5 days - saves money - faster entry of final product into market
Produces extremely complex shapes

Question 4

What re the disadvantages of using rapid prototyping?

Answer 4

Each machine can cost up £10,000

Question 5

How does rapid prototyping work?

Answer 5

The printer slices the CAD model into very thin slices.
The laser draws out the first layer in resin in resin tray
Wiper moves along and to smooth it
It hardens
The harden layer moves down enough so the resin spills over the hardened piece by one layer. The laser then cures the next slice/layer of the model on top of the first.
This repeat with curing parts of the liquid resin and lowing the model by one thickness until the model has been completed with all the layers

Question 6

How does virtual modelling work and its advantages?

Answer 6

It works by creating a 3D model with a CAD package on a computer - AutoCAD
This means the design can be changed and evaluated without a real model being created
However, you can send it to a 3D printer
Design and dimensions can be changed instantly
Reduces time to market place
Speeds up development- saves money
Products can be viewed as a cross section, wire frame model, surface or solid model