ProtoCAM recently made and donated two award art pieces made using the stereolithography rapid prototyping technology for the recipients of the 2009-10 Penn State Altoona Kjell Meling Award for Distinction in the Arts and Humanities.

The award was designed by artist / Penn State Altoona Associate Professor of Visual Arts Rebecca Strzelec. Strzelec designed the award and ProtoCAM worked with Strzelec to recommend the use of the stereolithography resin material Accura 60, which is used to produce parts with a clear, polycarbonate-like appearance.

As can also be seen in the top view photo, the nested circular cluster shown in the bottom left corner of this photo is the focal point of the award piece. This cluster demonstrates the intricate and beautiful design patterns that can be done using stereolithography for art objects.

In the press release for the award, Penn State-Altoona said:

Labels: rapid prototye art, rapid prototyping, rp technology, stereolithography

ProtoCAM Engineer Ed Graham was recently quoted in a New York Times article discussing the making of rapid prototype auto engine parts. The article, One Step Closer to the No-Iron Car, appeared on October 22, 2009. It talks about the efforts of New Jersey engineer Matti Holtzberg, who has been designing and developing plastic parts for car engines for 30 years. Of course, the percentage of parts in a car that are plastic has been rising for many years, but plastic engine components are currently not common as they have to withstand high temperature and mechanical stress.

As with other car components, plastic engine components are significantly lighter than the aluminum parts they might replace, and material costs are lower. In addition, the manufacturing process can be done at a lower cost.

In the article, Graham notes that ProtoCAM has been using Holtzberg’s technologies for making automotive rapid prototypes used in experimental engines and transmissions for about three years. Graham said, "The thermoset phenolic material is strong and has excellent heat resistance. The process is quick, and the parts go straight into experimental engines and transmissions.”

In this application - rapid prototype engine parts - ProtoCAM is again on the cutting edge of applying rapid prototyping technologies to emerging uses.

If you would like to know more about using ProtoCAM’s rapid prototyping services, product and prototype development services and plastics engineering expertise for your innovative application, please contact ProtoCAM at 610-261-9010 or use the convenient RFQ or Information Request form.

Labels: plastic engine parts, plastics engineering, rapid prototyping