In the previous installment I focused on tools that help designers create virtual models. In this entry I want to focus on other ways to generate virtual models (in all their varying glory).

The word “sampling” is probably most often associated with music, but it’s not at all limited to that application. Physical models are sometimes sculpted and their shape digitally sampled, or a previously existing reference might be digitized and used as a scaffold for building a new, virtual model. Or something entirely unrelated can be sampled and turned into a virtual 3D model {Note: had to add this excellent example: “spam architecture” – Link}. Once digitized, there’s not much that can’t be done with digitally sampled information.
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As the previous two entries were very much about the meatspace side of the equation and there was basically no discussion regarding the digital in “digital direct manufacturing”, I want to address that now. In addition, I want to expand from the relatively limited idea of “manufacturing” (which has certain connotations) to the broader idea of creating for the physical world; from artificial hearts to architectural wonders, from accessories to aircraft.

Rather than talk about the digital component that unites all these endeavors, I’ll rely on videos to show some of the different ways digital information is integrated into various development processes.
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Originally, in my prior post, I’d included the disclaimer that while using molds might be an old solution, the ability to do it well is both an art and a science. It’s no easy thing to properly balance all the different factors that go into molding quality plastic parts. But the same can be said for casting swords. So while I respect those who can do it, I don’t feel beholden to them or the process.

So without reservation, in this post I want to discuss where I believe manufacturing is headed.

NGM: Next Generation Manufacturing

Not many people outside manufacturing circles are aware of what’s called “Next Generation Manufacturing”. It’s not a new term. In fact, it’s been around for some time. Here’s what the U.S. National Science Foundation has to say about it (Link): Continue reading →

At this stage I just wanted to post a reminder of just how amazingly basic much of today’s manufacturing technology really is. To that end I surfed around for some visual media to help illustrate my point.

Where Fabrication Has Been And Where It Still Is

The above video does a decent job providing an overview of the injection mold-based manufacturing process currently used in China (reinforced by this short piece on Design News – Link) and is pretty much the standard solution for fabricating a substantial amount of product worldwide.
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Hopefully the augmented reality video in my previous post (reLink) provided some sense of the potential for integrating tangible with intangible to facilitate product development. It goes without saying that the 3D models being used were of relatively low fidelity, but it shouldn’t require any effort for creative individuals to see the potential, especially with news out of the University of Washington of contact lenses which potentially will allow visual, virtual overlays (reLink). Continue reading →