Computers, solid models, and robots

Abstract

High powered computing hardware, software, and sophisticated computer-based sensing and control has migrated from the factory and entered the cloud and the home. We have become comfortable with computers, software applications, and computer-driven machines as they now exist in our homes in many forms ranging from smart phones to remote controlled toys. We now have access to low cost 3D printers in the studio, or down the street, and access to larger commercial machines over the Internet. It is useful to understand what the building blocks of these machines are and how they fit together to best choose AM metal printing capability. In this chapter, we discuss the range and capabilities of 3D solid model software, 3D scanners, and computer-aided design (CAD) that support AM. In addition, we introduce and discuss computer-aided engineering (CAE), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), computer numerical control (CNC), and motion systems. Most importantly, we focus on the aspects of these technologies as applied to AM metals. You will be introduced to the STL or Stereolithography file format, originally developed for rapid prototyping of polymer materials and plastics, offering a simple solution to computer-defined surface geometry. The evolving need for interoperability and cross platform independence is discussed as well as the development of the 3MF file format.