3D Rendering or 3D Print

In recent years, the demand for 3D Printing and 3D printed prototypes has increased dramatically.  At first the demand came from the usual suspects.  Manufacturing and design houses looking to shorten the time to bring their product to market by getting fast renditions of their model for conceptual design.  As the technology caught on, more and more industries began exploring the possibilities of 3D printing to either shorten their design cycle or just better convey their ideas.

Vastly different fields have begun to attempt to ride the 3D printing wave such as architecture, marketing, as well as GIS.  Surprisingly many industry professionals from these different markets continue to endure design via 2D CAD.  Unfortunately there isn’t a 3D printer on the market today that will generate a print file based on 2D data.  After decades of being suitable for design, 2D CAD is nearing the end of it’s life cycle.  Fortunately for designers stuck in the past, there are solutions for turning a 2D file into a printable model.  Direct modeling packages such as ANSYS SpaceClaim can provide the tools necessary to bring a 2D designer into the current realm of technology.

3D PRINTER DESIGN SOFTWARE

For starters, users can inexpensively and easily convert their 2D data using ANSYS SpaceClaim Engineer.  Simplistically breathe life into a 2D model and watch it become 3D right before your eyes.  Within minutes your legacy data will be primed for printing so you can share your new found tech with your colleagues and be the hero of the day.

Of course, for tech aficionados and those interested in the novelty of 3D Printing, one can run a printer without any type of 3D CAD.  Several digital content websites have been popping up in the last few years that offer access to hundreds if not thousands of 3D parts with ready to print files.  Anyone with a 3D Printer can make use of such resources and have enough files to run a 3D printer 24 hours a day for far into the foreseeable future.

However, to maximize the utility of your 3D Printer, it makes sense to own a 3D CAD package yourself.  Without 3D CAD your creativity is at the mercy of the designers who populate the 3D content sites.  While the novelty is ripe for the taking, you are limiting the potential of your 3D projects.  Until every single design concept from modern civilization is shared and cataloged, 3D CAD is still a 3D Printer’s best friend.

Top 5 Ways ANSYS SpaceClaim Helps Machinists

ANSYS SpaceClaim 3D Direct Modeling Software makes CAD simple with 4 simple commands.  Using the Pull, Move, Fill, and Combine commands, it’s easy to edit and optimize models for manufacturing, as well as to create complementary models such as fixtures.

Traditional feature-based CAD was developed for engineers to create detailed models and associated documentation. However when it’s time to make parts, complicated constraints and internal dependencies can hamper the success of the job. Too often, manufacturing experts can get caught up in the theory of CAD and lose focus on getting their parts to market.   If the designs aren’t right, it can be difficult to make the changes on-the-fly.  Instead, change requests need to go back to the design team.  ANSYS SpaceClaim’s unique user interface enables anyone to work in 3D but, it is not a lifestyle like other complex CAD systems. Engineers who aren’t CAD specialists — and don’t want to be — can learn ANSYS SpaceClaim in hours not weeks.

With ANSYS SpaceClaim’s Trace Parts integration you can convert your old .dxf and .dwg files into useable 3D data.  Import and transform 2D to 3D with a simple sketching tool, that allows you to draw in 2D and creates 3D models automatically.

Clean dirty and corrupted geometry with simple, automated repair tools such as Stitch and Missing Faces.  Take incomplete CAD data made up of surfaces and turn it into solid geometry with ease.

It’s easier to accurately convey the manufacturing process using ANSYS SpaceClaim.  Clearly articulate your machining steps in a simple to follow 3D fashion with notes and dimensions.

Work in a familiar 2D environment and save files as .dxf and .dwg.  Even modify the model while in a 2D view.

Remove or adjust rounds and chamfers, hole sizes, face offsets, draft angles and other geometry with no knowledge of how the model was built.  ANSYS SpaceClaim provides simple tools to optimize the model and prepare for machining tasks.

Let ANSYS SpaceClaim 3D Direct Modeling software simplify your manufacturing process.  Skip the complexities of traditional CAD systems, win more bids, reduce waste, and get parts and products to market faster.

Zcorp understands the value of education. That is why on August 30 2011, Zcorp announced their collaboration with Congressman John Tierney (D-Mass) to launch the EngineeringZONE™ program initiative. This program provides unique and valuable engineering experience for high school students. The initiative concerns Tierney as he is committed to improving New England’s local economy and persistent high unemployment.

As the only New England Member on the House Education and Workforce Committee, Tierney has a special interest in the futures of New England students. He understands that jobs focused on technology that integrate math, science and engineering are in high demand, so he wants to engage those who are interested in these fields. But he also wants to reach and inspire those who are less knowledgeable and inexperienced. Tierney believes that if all New England high school students had a leg up on the job market, they could all have better success when they enter it. “The most recent initiative ensures that local students are aware of these new and creative job opportunities,” said Tierney.

Despite the recent economic struggles the country has faced, high tech manufacturing jobs are not dwindling. From 2008 to 2018 STEM occupations are projected to grow by 17 percent. Being familiar with Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology is in great demand. Students going into engineering fields will need to learn quickly what is required to tackle problems and create solutions in manufacturing. The best way for students to embark on this learning curve would be early exposure to AM vendors like ZCorp.

Scott Harmon is Zcorp’s vice president of business development. “We’re thrilled to open our doors,” says Harmon, “this is where the magic happens.”Because of initiatives like this one, budding engineers have been using Z Corporation 3D printers, called ZPrinters, at thousands of high schools, vocational schools and universities. Through this initiative, even more students will be exposed to 3D printing, now one of the fastest-growing innovations in manufacturing. Zcorp invites students to visit one afternoon a month to not only experience 3D printing, but also CAD software and 3D laser scanning technology.

As more manufacturers adopt the process, those who have experience with it will hone their competitive edge in design, technology, and manufacturing. 3D printing brings together all of these disciplines. This combats the skill crisis well-rounded individuals. The program will allow students the unique opportunity to experience state-of-the-art hands-on training for developing 3-dimensional physical models using CAD data. With experience in 3D printing, CAD design, and Additive Manufacturing, students will have a the competitive edge needed to work for companies like Black & Decker, Cisco Consumer Business Group, New Balance, Timberland and Pixar.

Zcorp is world-renowned for creating the fastest, full color, easiest to use and most affordable 3D printers on the market. The EngineeringZONE™ initiative introduces New England high school students to the wonder of making things. Students in the EngineeringZONE™ program will try their hand at some introductory computer-aided design (CAD) software and will make their own 3D printed models. If your high school is interested, contact STI for more details.