FEATURE MATERIALS IN DESIGN & PROTOTYPING Turning the virtual into reality
Organisations throughout the world are discovering the value of using computer-generated images
O
nce used to revolutionise animated graphics for the commercial media
and entertainment markets, the use of computer-generated images (CGI) is rapidly evolving into a powerful tool for harnessing visual communication with precise realism across many commercial disciplines and industry sectors. ETL Visuals, for example, has the
ability to rapidly convert 3D models and create images for presentations and other communications purposes. The company can also add graphic elements to further enhance its visualisations. Ideal for Proof of Concept (PoC), CGI can help to demonstrate the feasibility of proposed ideas through the visualisation of models with realistic lighting effects and textures. It can showcase the features and effects of products that may otherwise prove challenging to show either on the drawing board or as a physical prototype. If, for example, virtual textures such as a transparent glass-like exterior and colour highlighted components were added to a virtual representation of a device, while presenting a clear view of its appearance, its functionality could easily be explained at the same time. The actual steps involved in building the virtual representation on screen also allow any design flaws or limitations to be quickly identified. In allowing models to be prototyped and tested on a virtual platform, design costs and time to market can be reduced. With CGI demonstrating its worth in speeding up the process of determining the potential and validity of PoCs, a number of different industries are now opting to use the technology. One example was where ETL Visuals created the virtual models for a range of optional interior fittings and layouts in an aircraft, which were then realistically rendered for customer approval.
THE PRODUCT LIFECYCLE CGI allows models to be animated and keyed within captured video footage for real world simulations, step by step animations and exploded view sequences. Thanks to such features, CGI is now impacting the whole product lifecycle – facilitating the initial design and development phase while adding value
30 MAY 2016 | DESIGN SOLUTIONS In computer
manufacturing, exploded view sequences
accompanied by step by step animations are being used to display the internal components and processes involved in making new systems
(CGI). Building a virtual representation on screen allows design flaws or limitations to be quickly identified, as ETL Visuals explains
to training and sales and marketing programmes. In computer manufacturing, for example, exploded view sequences accompanied by step by step animations are being used to display the internal components and processes involved in making new systems. Its capabilities make CGI well suited to
different types of training programmes where movies are increasingly incorporating 2D and 3D visual elements as well as inserted text to animate video footage and bring key messages to life. The medical industry is another
ETL Visuals created the virtual models for a range of optional interior fittings and layouts in an aircraft
application area. A U.S based customer recently asked ETL Visuals to add 2D visual elements onto some medical machinery footage to help surgeons
understand how a plug-in piece of apparatus can help them perform a specific aspect of eye surgery.
IMPROVING COMMUNICATION Working for clients on a global scale and on a diverse range of projects, ETL Visuals offers creative and succinct computer generated movies and imagery showcasing products and capabilities. Jack Howell, digital artist and project
manager, ETL Services, commented: “At a lower cost, higher quality and with better efficiencies, CGI is creating new and improved communications channels across many platforms. “We’re at a point where businesses are starting to grasp its potency, and this represents a very exciting time for us.” The company’s photorealistic CGI
animations are increasingly covering a growing range of applications ranging from product concepts into marketing communications and training programmes, to showing more complex scenarios that would otherwise be impossible using traditional techniques. ETL Visuals is part of Evidence Talks, a leader in digital forensics.
ETL Visuals
www.evidencetalks.com
THE BENEFITS OF CNC MACHINING FOR RAPID PROTOTYPING
According to IDC Models, the benefits of CNC machining as a powerful rapid prototyping technology are often lost in the hype surrounding 3D printing. CNC can, for example, be use to determine critical fit and material suitability early on in the design process. The company has a Viper SLA 3D printer, and is aware how invaluable this is for geometric checking of fits
and producing quick visual models. However, a product’s functionality is determined by material selection as well as geometry and this is where CNC machining can be beneficial. CNC parts can be produced in the materials that are planned for production, to form a visually and functionally realistic prototype. Many materials can be used, including metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass and all manner of exotic alloys, as well as engineering plastics such as AS-ABS, Nylon, Acetal, Acrylic, RC, PS and many more. Mark Yoxall, prototyping engineer at IDC Models, commented: “We always program directly from the
design CAD, and with ISO 9001 and 13485 in place we have robust quality procedures to maintain and ensure critical dimensions. Another major benefit of CNC machining is that parts can be repeatedly re-machined if the prototype needs to be refined, to achieve a production quality fit.”
IDC
www.idc.uk.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
