Digital Fabrication

Digital modeling and fabrication is defined as “a process that joins architecture with the construction industry through the use of 3D modeling software and CNC machines.” (Wikipedia)  The use of these two concepts can generate 3D objects straight from a computer screen into the real world.  This process can be used to test the accuracy of the computer program.  Since it requires software and the physical computer numerical control to work in tandem with one another, it is obvious that both of the systems are highly advanced.  The ability to take an object in the digital world and create a physical copy of it is an important innovative technique.  Many objects such parts of buildings, interchangeable parts, or various tools are just a few examples among many other potential applications for 3D printing.  If the concept of 3D printing can be perfected, then it would grow the manufacturing industry greatly. 

In order for the concept of 3D printing to be complete, there must be a way to capture the entire image that you want to scan.  If you wish to duplicate a preexisting object that does not also have a 3D design in a compatible drafting program, then one needs to be imported.  This can be an issue since only one camera cannot detect the top and bottom or an object.  It is also quite difficult to get complete scan of an object.  In many cases, scans of complex hours can take days to complete, and they might not even by complete.  In order to perfect 3D scanning, better technology must be created that can capture every vector of the object that needs to be scanned.  This could be accomplished by either having a vertically and horizontally rotating camera or by using multiple cameras.  It is also quite difficult for some objects to stay on the surface of rotation.  In 3D scanning, it is vital to have a closed object without any digital flaws in the drafting program.  If the object (while it may be solid in the real world) contains holes in the drafting program, it will be impossible to replicate exactly.  A person who is fluent in computer drafting must then fix the image so it is an accurate reflection of the scanned object.  This can be incredibly difficult and time consuming depending on the object.  These problems are some of the major reasons why 3D printing is not commonly applied in the manufacturing process so far.  Once some of these kinks are worked out, it has potential to become an incredibly powerful tool.

With advanced 3D printing, architects can generate complex designs that can actually be created in mass production.  Some objects are too time consuming to repeatedly create by hand, so that is when 3D printing would be most effective.  Eventually, 3D printing could commonly be used all across the world for many various outputs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_modeling_and_fabrication

http://www.economist.com/topics/digital-fabrication

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3D_printing

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One Response to Digital Fabrication

  1. Richard says:

    scanning has more limited uses and is more difficult and time consuming altho we made it harder than it is. 3d printing has very widespread application in fabrication and manuafacturing and we do it quite well with our low fidelity printers

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