| The CAD/CAM Laboratory at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University can make three-dimensional prototypes from its CAD creations faster and stronger than ever with its new Dimension Elite 3D printer.
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Like the ZCorp Z406 machine that the CAD/CAM Lab has used for rapid prototyping during the last 4 years, the Elite printer can take a computerized design from the flat screen to the real world—clients can literally see their design grow layer by layer as successive cross sections of material are layered and connected.
This process, called stereolithography, allows for the quick creation of parts or designs to use as prototypes, demonstrations or handouts for prospective buyers.
But unlike the Z406 machine, which infuses resin into a starch-based powder to create the 3D models, the Elite printer builds more durable, functional models from ABSplus plastic, a version of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic.
About 40 percent stronger than standard ABS plastic, ABSplus is ideal for creating highly accurate working models that won’t warp, shrink or absorb moisture and that can be machined and tested under a variety of conditions.
Given a design part, the machine generates the necessary instructions to deposit heated, semi-liquid filament ABSplus plastic material onto a bed layer by layer. The machine is capable of depositing layers as thin as .007 inches or as thick as .010 inches.
Once the build is complete, the model is removed from the build foundation and any support structures are simply broken off or dissolved away. The entire process only takes a few hours from start to finish, and no further post-processing is required.
"This is an exciting advancement for the CAD/CAM Lab,” said associate director Brian Brown. “We can now take anyone's ideas, generate the necessary CAD model and then hand them a strong ABS plastic part in a matter of hours. A concept can be proposed in the morning and functionally tested in the afternoon."
For more information about the CAD/CAM Lab’s rapid prototyping capabilities, contact Brian Brown at (316) 978-3246 or brain@cadcamlab.org. Click here to visit vimeo.com and watch a short video of the machine at work.
NIAR’s CAD/CAM Lab provides industry professionals and WSU students with the latest in CATIA education and technical support for computer-aided design and manufacturing by offering classes on and off-site and writing textbooks for CATIA and ENOVIA courses. The lab offers courses five times a year, which carry engineering academic credit with the university. To learn more visit www.cadcamlab.org.
CAD/CAM Lab directors receive CATIA certification
| The directors of the CAD/CAM Laboratory at the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) at Wichita State University have recently achieved certification as CATIA (Computer-Aided Three-Dimensional Interactive Applications) Certified Instructors through Dassault Systèmes’ Certification Program.
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Lab Director Shawn Ehrstein and Associate Director Brian Brown passed six exams to achieve Specialist and Expert Certification in Part Design, Assembly Design and Surface Design. They are the first in the lab to do so but won't be the last, as several other staff members are on track to become certified instructors as well.
"Reaching Certified Instructor status helps us show that education and training received by the CAD/CAM Laboratory is top-notch and meets the highest standards established by Dassault Systèmes," Ehrstein said.
"With the remainder of our staff working towards certification, local industry and students can be assured that they are receiving some of the highest quality training and education around," added Brown.
Dassault Systèmes is a leading developer of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and other 3D application software, including CATIA, ENOVIA, DELMIA, SIMULIA, 3DVIA and SolidWorks. The Certification Instructor Program aims to provide a globally recognized standard for measuring one’s technical and instructional skills in these PLM products.
