Rapid Prototyping
Rapid Prototyping (RP) technology automates the fabrication of a
three-dimensional object using geometric information provided by
a 3-D CAD document. This physical object is a true model of that
artifact and conveys more complete information about the object
than can be gleaned from a visual exploration and analysis of a
computer display. The major advantage of Rapid Prototyping
(occasionally known as Solid Freeform Manufacturing, SFM) for
engineering and manufacturing is the ability to produce complex
and difficult-to-machine models in a relatively short time.
In a similar vein, most scientific visualization software, as
a result of their computational analyses, produce complex geometric
models of visualized phenominae. Researchers can then view and
interact with the display of those geometric objects to gain
insight and understanding.
This project strives to link rapid prototyping technologies with
the geometric models of scientific visualization to produce
physical models of concepts and ideas. The goal is that the
addition of another sense -- touch -- to bear on the analysis
will provide an enhanced understanding to the researcher and
assist in the creation of new knowledge and understanding.
Please send questions or suggestions about this web page to:
sp@gears.aset.psu.edu
ASET | ITS | Penn State
|
