[accessibleimage] Re: Rapid proto-typing

Hello Don and list:

The forthcoming book Touch The Sun by Noreen Grice has thermoformed tactile pictures, the masters for which were created using a CNC milling machine. Milling machines are classed by the Rapid Prototyping industry as a subtractive process. Any tactile image that could be thermoformed could be created with a mechanical CAD software and milling machine.

I have seen a few masters created with the StereoLithography (SLA) process. This work was done as projects for engineering students. The masters were great, but the cost of the material is quite high. The equipment is also expensive. I have seen some very nice models produced by NASA of the Martian surface and of the Space Shuttle. NASA used the SLA process and also the Stratasys FDM process. The Stratasys models are made of ABS plastic and are quite strong and durable. Stratasys does make an entry level machine that can produce models with moving parts for less than $35,000. The build volume of this machine is 8X8X12 inches. Stratasys also makes larger equipment that can produce models 23X23X19 inches.

Another devices that may be of interest are 3d scanners. These devices can scan an object and create an image file. The file can then be manipulated to change the scale of an object. I had a U. S. quarter scanned, and a model created which was the size of a dinner plate. It is possible for a blind person to feel the letters on the model, look at the face of the president, and even read the mint mark. 3d scanners can also be used to scan the back side of a thermoformed page. The resulting file can be used to recreate a lost master. If anyone has questions, please ask.

Regards,

Robert Jaquiss, Executive Director
VIEW International Foundation
230 Peach Tree Drive
West Monroe, Louisiana 71291-8653
USA
Phone: (318) 396-1853
Email: rjaquiss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
----- Original Message ----- From: "Don Mccallum" <d.j.mccallum@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <accessibleimage@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, September 30, 2005 9:26 AM
Subject: [accessibleimage] Rapid proto-typing


Hi all,

I was wondering what experience people have had with rapid prototyping (also
called solid free forming or 3D printing) for creating tactile maps, models,
masters or other three dimensional objects.

Regards

Don





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