Omnica's relaxed Friday dress code and high-tech computer models have revolutionized the way designers and clients communicate. But we have another aid to foster friendly understanding, and it's not by sporting flowered shirts every day.

                Three rapid prototyping machines used for different purposes

We have three rapid prototyping alternatives, a Stratasys™ Dimension, a Stratasys™ Dimension Elite, and a SolidScape™ ModelMaker II. They are all FDM machines, each with different quality, envelope size and material choice attributes. The “Stratasys desktop” systems are about the size of a refrigerator, and are located in the modelmaking area (next to the laser cutter). They are moderate resolution machines (0.010" to 0.007" layer thickness build) that can be used to create models relatively quickly. The Modelmaker II is about a third the size of it's roommates and is a high resolution (0.0005" layer thickness build) FDM machine that takes longer to create models, but much more accurately than the others . Each rapid prototyping machine can build ABS (a tough plastic) models from 3-D CAD files. We can also use the ModelMaker II to build high resolution wax models for investment casting.

                     FDM stands for "fusion deposition modeling”.

The machines (called a 3-D printer) have a computer-guided print head which deposits thin filaments of plastic with properties similar to ABS, layered on top of each other. The hot strands are applied one layer at a time, and they fuse together. The resultant models are accurate and robust enough to simulate end-product performance. We can build models from other materials, too. An example is the pea-sized wax "orbs" we modeled for a customer that we later investment cast in bronze. These machines differ from stereolithography machines that we sometimes employ (through service bureaus) for certain projects.  Tim Payne (at right )verifies an ABS model. 

                 There is definitely some "art" involved.  
 
A designer can start a build from the top, side or bottom of the part to be “printed”. The fastest builds are usually those which have the smallest height, or “Z-axis”. However, after creating a number of sample parts we soon realized that faster was not always better. Resolution, and the way the machine builds parts must be considered. If the model features swooping curves or long non-parallel planes we may have to make choices between strength, cosmetics and speed - it depends on the project requirements. 

                  All of the 3-D printers offer real speed and cost benefits to our customers.

In a matter of hours we can make moderately accurate and robust models suitable for fit, form, and function. The printer is a low cost alternative compared to machined or cast urethane models. For designers and those persons less technically oriented, models are an ideal way to visualize design concepts.

Our clients won't need a vivid imagination now that we can show them a picture in the morning, and a model later that afternoon.

To learn more about our capabilities, and what we can do for you, visit www.omnica.com