Images of CAD/CAM projects >>

Services:

Providing CAD/CAM 3D/2D modeling and design for:

• CNC Fabrication
  
• Rapid Prototyping
  
• Plastic Injection Molding
  
• Laser and Water Jet Cutting
  
• Traditional Design and Build Applications
  
• 2D Digital Media

Each project is handled to completion. Getting a final model on the computer is only the first phase of any CAD/CAM project. From there the 3D models must be prepared for machining. Each type of machining requires file preparation and setup.

With many different machining methods and materials to choose from, with a wide range of cost and time frames, each project is evaluated to choose the right method.

Technologies Used:

CAD (Computer Aided Design or Drafting)
Encompasses many different methods of designing in both 3D and 2D on the computer. Originally was developed as a replacement for hand-drafted architectural and engineering plans. Can be used directly for modern fabrication techniques.

CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing)
Includes many different methods of fabricating real-world objects using computer-controlled machining. The creation of mechanical parts, fabrication of furniture and architectural detail work, and designing and prototyping of consumer goods most often use some type of CAM application.

CAM Methods:

Rapid Prototyping:

Description: Parts are made by layering material one vertical row at a time in order to produce 3D solids. Many different methods are available including.

• Stereolithography
• Jetted Photopolymer
• Selective Laser Sintering
• Laminated Object Manufacturing
• Fused Deposition Modeling
• Three Dimensional Printing

Uses: For almost any kind of prototyping of parts, objects, or molds.

Benefits: Almost any shape can be produced; low amount of labor; fast turnaround times.

Negatives: Limited materials; small build dimensions; high cost for larger objects.

CNC (Computer Numerical Control):

Description: The means by which physical devices -- usually mills, drills, lasers, water jets, engravers or routers -- are controlled using a computer file.

Uses: CNC milling is often used to make metal parts, especially for small numbers of test parts made from real materials such as steel and aluminum. CNC routers are used in cutting complex curves and 3D surfaces in materials such as wood and plastics.

Benefits: Allows for fabrication of real-world materials and fabrication of very large sized objects like boat hulls and car body molds.

Negatives: All subtractive methods have limitations on what shapes can be fabricated. Common 3D access mills must work from the top down, and cannot cut undercuts without additional steps.

Plastic Injection Molding
The process of creating parts in thermoplastic from reusable molds. Commonly used plastics used are:

• polystyrene (low cost, lacking the strength and longevity of other materials)
  
• ABS or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (a co-polymer or mixture of compounds used for everything from Lego parts to electronics housings)
  
• nylon (chemically resistant, heat resistant, tough and flexible - used for combs)
  
• polypropylene (tough and flexible - used for containers)
  
• polyethylene
  
• polyvinyl chloride or PVC (more common in extrusions as used for pipes, window frames, or as the insulation on wiring where it is rendered flexible by the inclusion of a high proportion of plasticiser)

Molds for plastic injection molding are usually made from:

• hardened steel
• pre-hardened steel
• aluminum
• beryllium-copper alloy

The process involves heating plastic resin into a molten form and injecting it into the mold. Once the mold has become completely fill and the plastic has returned to a solid state the plastic part must be released from the mold. Much of the work of designing a usable mold is in the design of how the part will be removed and it designing the flow of the molten plastic throughout the cavity of the mold.

Water Jet Cutting
A very versatile cutting tool often driven by CNC systems. Almost any materials can be cut using a super pressurized stream of water often combined with an abrasive substance. Materials from Swiss Cheese to Granite can be cut with very high degrees of accuracy. The kerf of the cut can be as small as 0.003" or about the thickness of a human hair. Materials can also be cut at very low temperatures, avoiding problems with overheating of materials.

 

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