Apr. 1, 2015 | By Simon
When it comes to 3D printing, some of the best and most memorable applications have been in creating detailed scale models of pre-existing large structures or assemblies. Among others, architects and the real estate industry have been employing the use of 3D printing to show their clients a detailed literal birds-eye-view of what a large structure or remodel will look like, as well as those who create manufacturing lines and automobiles. Although the widespread use of 3D printed models in these industries is relatively new, the practice has been done for decades by product designers and engineers in an effort to iterate on concepts before creating their full-scale intended designs. Now, a company from the UK is using the same process to create not just one, but three scale model yacht designs.
The company, Dee Three(who are also currently busy helping take Northampton University's already-strong 3D program to a higher level), was approached by a yacht manufacturer to create three physical yacht models of their V62-S yacht design for their offices and clients. The assignment was to create 620mm-long models that were scaled down from the original 62-foot yacht and then attach them to an oak base so that they would be presentable both in an office environment as well as fit right in within a yacht’s luxury interior. Although each of the models would be built from the same yacht design, each of the colors would be different, so the company had to treat each model as its own unique project.
Since the Dee Three team wasn’t given any CAD data to start with, they began by working with pictures of the V62-S yacht and then used them as reference for building their own 3D model from scratch. Once this was completed, the team broke the model into 130 separate parts so that they would be able to get the most detail out of each part once they were finished. Because the company has extensive knowledge in CAD and 3D printing processes, they optimized each part depending on which type of modeling and print processes would work best for each. This included the use of NURBS and mesh modeling as well as the use of SLS and SLA 3D printing methods. For some components, a combination of laser cutting, CNC machining and vacuum forming were used to produce the desired end result.
To give an example of how much detail went into each part of the scale model, for the hull of the ship, the company printed the part using SLA after splitting it into two pieces with the roof unit attached. The part was split so that the curves of the hull could be sanded more effectively. Additionally, for the bow and the stern, the company had to design these from scratch based on the pre-existing dimensions of the yacht body due to a lack of usable reference imagery.
Finally, once all of the parts were assembled, they were attached to their own individual oak wood bases that themselves were milled from solid oak and then finished with yacht lacquer to fit the theme of the project. Additionally, the resulting reflection provided by the lacquer highlights the otherwise shadowed base of the model.
As if the detailed 3D printed models weren’t enough, the company also created an augmented reality app for the yacht manufacturer to use internally and for their sales and marketing team. The app worked by simply scanning a two-dimensional image of the V62-S and then converting the data into a 3D model that a user on a mobile device can then interact with in real time. Because the image is tracked by a device’s camera, a user is able pan around and explore the 3D model of the boat without the need to pick up the delicate 3D printed model.
While the project was surely both a large time and financial investment, it’s a perfect example of how the use of both 3D modeling (and subsequently, using that model to create an augmented reality app) and 3D printing can help effectively communicate product designs and experiences.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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plz at file link
wawa wrote at 6/29/2017 7:28:56 PM:
quelle est le nome de cette logiciel 3d !!
Dena Seidel wrote at 7/31/2016 2:34:35 AM:
Hello, I am looking for someone who can make a 3D printed model of our sailboat. Is this something you do for work?
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