Layered manufacturing as a graphics display device

Course description Traditionally, computer graphics practitioners have modeled virtual objects to be rendered on a 2D computer screen, but the latest 3D layered manufacturing technologies can quickly and easily transform a 3D computer model into a physical 3D model. In this course, participants learn about commercial layered manufacturing systems and promising new technologies, including stereolithography (SLA), 3-D printing, fused deposition modeling (FDM), selective laser sintering (SLS), and laminated object manufacturing (LOM). In all these processes, a triangulated boundary representation (b-rep) of the CAD model of the part is sliced into horizontal, 2.5-D layers of uniform thickness. Each cross sectional layer is successively deposited, hardened, fused, or cut, depending on the particular process, and attached to the layer beneath it. (For technologies such as SLA and FDM, a sacrificial support structure must also be built to support overhanging geometry.) The stacked layers form the final part. The speakers will present case studies from a variety of application areas, including scientific visualization, medical applications, consumer electronics design prototypes, mathematical models, and geometric sculptures. They will explain the advantages and disadvantages of different technologies in the context of part geometry, post-processing requirements, and the intended use of the part. They will share their personal experiences about the real costs and typical failure modes of different systems (what the vendors don't tell you). Speakers will also discuss the uses of layered manufacturing in education. Prerequisites Basic familiarity with 3D modeling or 3D CAD and some familiarity with 3D geometric modeling concepts and terminology. Introduction to 3D layered manufacturing Commercial 3D layered manufacturing processes • Photopolymers –Photolithography • Thermoplastic deposition –Extrusion • Powder based –3D Printing, mono-and color –Sintering Applications experiences: functional mechanical parts • Lamination Applications experiences: scientific visualization-molecular modeling-medical modeling-terrain surfaces-isovolumes Summary, Questions and Answers (including discussion of parts/application areas suggested by audience)