ProtoCAM Rapid Prototyping Blog

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Rapid Prototype Art Objects Donated by ProtoCAM for Kjell Meling Award

Rapid Prototype Art - Kjell Meling Award

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.

Kjell Meling Award made by ProtoCAM using SLA

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:

"The college also extends its gratitude to Rebecca Strzelec, associate professor of visual arts, for designing the award that is being presented to Harvey Pekar tonight and to Ray Biery and Ron Belknap of ProtoCam for providing this coveted
award."

Penn State Altoona artist/professor Rebecca Strzelec, designer of the award, with 2009-10 awardee Harvey Pekar, an internationally-renowned comic-book author, jazz critic, and commentator on American society, best known for his long-running autobiographical series American Splendor.

ProtoCAM is no stranger to working with artists to apply rapid prototyping technologies in creating visually stunning 3D art objects. See more examples on ProtoCAM’s Prototype Art page.

If you would like to know more about using ProtoCAM’s rapid prototyping technologies and expertise to create your rapid prototype art objects, please contact ProtoCAM.

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

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Subtractive Rapid Prototyping vs. Additive Rapid Prototyping

ProtoCAM does most of its prototyping work using additive rapid prototyping technologies such as stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS) and 3D printing. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is another additive rapid prototyping process that is used. With additive rapid prototyping, material is added on or built up in the creation process.

Subtractive prototyping is another way to create prototypes in which material is removed from a larger piece of material. Subtractive prototypes are typically created using more traditional manufacturing processes. These include standard machining process such as milling, turning/lathing or drilling, and more modern tools like CNC machining. So with subtractive prototyping, you might start with a block of metal or plastic and cut away material until the prototype part is created.

In rapid prototyping, there are advantages and disadvantages to any choice of technology. Subtractive prototyping is limited to relatively simple shapes - complex geometries are not possible. The material must be readily available in the size and shape needed. And subtractive RP usually takes longer. Its main advantage is that is made in the final production material.

So if time, design complexities and materials are critical, additive rapid prototyping is likely the best choice. Contact ProtoCAM for additive rapid prototyping services.

Labels: rapid prototyping, rp technology