Last Friday, we (that’s all the CELIT members) had an interesting presentation at TNO. TNO is the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research. The unit we visited is called Rapid Manufacturing and the presentation was hosted by John Lavrijsen.
John told us all about the various methods, processes and applications for Rapid Manufacturing. Of course, (interactive) 3D (visualizations) are of great importance in this process. All phases of the process involve somekind of 3D technology:
- 3D Scanning: digitize an existing object
- 3D CAD: tuning (or developing a new) object (3D visualization)
- 3D Printing: manufacture the object physically within a few hours
We saw some really amazing things. So you thought that the ‘replicator’ used in Star Trek series is science fiction? Wake up, because it’s not. At least, not completely. In this stage the technology still has many limitations, but it IS possible to instantly manufacture/create objects, using different kinds of sources, e.g. sand, plastics and even metals.
One of the unique things about this 3D manufacture technology is that products are being created layer by layer, instead of cutting material. An accuracy or resolution up to 5 micrometer is possible.
I also brought up the possibility to use autostereoscopic 3D displays during the process of scanning, modelling and “pre” visualization. This might help in understanding what people are doing or even could help avoiding (expensive) mistakes. @John: you know where to find me, to further discuss this subject.
Anyway, I asked John for permission to film our tour through the TNO laboratory and beneath you’ll find a short compilation of what we saw. It’s definitely amazing!
Interesting links about this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapid_manufacturing
http://www.tno.nl
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Interesting blog!