Throughout
this blog I will be investigating the
potentials of CAD/CAM processes and what legislations minimise any risks to professionals in the creative industries. CAD/CAM (computer aided design and computer aided manufacture)
is the term that refers to computer systems when designing and manufacturing a
product. Whilst CAD is use of computer technology in the design and
documentation of a product, CAM aids the actual making of the product. There is
no doubt that the CAD/CAM systems have many advantages such as accurate drawing
and may save designers a lot of time, but unfortunately there are also disadvantages! CAD/CAM systems can be very costly and people
operating them must be trained which can also add to costs. Also these systems
cannot comprehend real world concepts such as the nature of the product being
designed or its function.
One of my favourite and most fascinating
machines has to be the 3D printer, which has been around for about 30 years
now, so it’s nothing new and its popularity is continuing to grow within the
creative industries. 3D printers work by taking virtual models designed on a
computer usually from CAD files then prints out a real object, so no
programming skills are needed. All that is required is a 3D modelling program and
knowing how to use it. The printing process involves building up of layers on
top of another to form a complete object. For example some 3D printers squirt
out a stream of liquid plastic, which solidifies as the printers head moves
around to create the outline of each layer. Many materials are used such as
plastics, ceramics and metal. What’s exciting about 3D printers is that the
possibilities are endless and as bizarre as it may sound, it’s even possible to
print your own food and life size home! On that note, where can you draw the
line with 3D printing?? What if the 3D object being printed is a replica of an original and is
subject to copyright? This would clearly be infringing the copyrights. (Copyright, Designs and Patents act 1988). Another
downside of 3D printers is the health risks they may impose on users due to
considerable amounts of harmful emissions the machine gives off in the printing
process, although according to new studies, users can protect themselves by
using the machines in well ventilated areas.
In the latest James Bond film ‘Skyfall’ the filmmakers had three Aston Martin DB5s created by German 3D printer specialists Augsburg, so that they could be blown up and destroyed without damaging the expensive original. Architects Fosters and partners have revealed plans to build a 3d printed base of the moon, created using the actual soil as the substrate to print with. Scientists are already looking at the possibility of producing printed cells and organs for transplant. Dutch architect, Janjaap Ruijssenaars of Amsterdam firm Universal Architecture, last month unveiled his plans to build the world’s first 3D printed house using panels of up to 6x9m in size. Japan based Fab cafe offers a special 2 day course to learn how to transform your head into a 3D digitally produced chocolate model for Valentines Day model. A silicon mould is produced in high definition via a ProjetHD printer and then filled with chocolate for your loved one to eat!.
Another machine
that has many uses and is often used in the creative industries is the laser
machine. They are used to precisely cut or engrave a wide range of materials such
as acrylic, cardboard, fabrics and wood, using a laser. A chosen image is
uploaded onto the software that works with the machine and settings are adjusted.
The main skills required to operate the laser has to do with the knowledge of
the cutting speed VS laser power for each material. What’s impressive about these
machines is how fast and versatile they are. Many products can be made using
the laser cutter such as cards/invitations, decorative items, sculptures, jewellery,
toys, models etc. Laser cutters also speed up the process of producing architectural / models, which designers will need to show prospective clients. Whilst using
the machine designers must always be trying to minimize any risks at work, For example
wearing goggles and not looking directly into the laser beam (Health and safety at
work act 1974) Manufacturers must
constantly be assessing the health and safety aspects of products to consumers.
Here I have included a table of the main Legislations that help minimise risks for designers.
There
are few other machines I have been doing some
research on which include
the Vinyl printer (CAMM 1) and the CNC Router (CAMM 2) which I will discuss in upcoming posts.
For now… Thanks
for reading!
Throughout
this blog I will be investigating the
potentials of CAD/CAM processes and what legislations minimise any risks to professionals in the creative industries. CAD/CAM (computer aided design and computer aided manufacture)
is the term that refers to computer systems when designing and manufacturing a
product. Whilst CAD is use of computer technology in the design and
documentation of a product, CAM aids the actual making of the product. There is
no doubt that the CAD/CAM systems have many advantages such as accurate drawing
and may save designers a lot of time, but unfortunately there are also disadvantages! CAD/CAM systems can be very costly and people
operating them must be trained which can also add to costs. Also these systems
cannot comprehend real world concepts such as the nature of the product being
designed or its function.
One of my favourite and most fascinating machines has to be the 3D printer, which has been around for about 30 years now, so it’s nothing new and its popularity is continuing to grow within the creative industries. 3D printers work by taking virtual models designed on a computer usually from CAD files then prints out a real object, so no programming skills are needed. All that is required is a 3D modelling program and knowing how to use it. The printing process involves building up of layers on top of another to form a complete object. For example some 3D printers squirt out a stream of liquid plastic, which solidifies as the printers head moves around to create the outline of each layer. Many materials are used such as plastics, ceramics and metal. What’s exciting about 3D printers is that the possibilities are endless and as bizarre as it may sound, it’s even possible to print your own food and life size home! On that note, where can you draw the line with 3D printing?? What if the 3D object being printed is a replica of an original and is subject to copyright? This would clearly be infringing the copyrights. (Copyright, Designs and Patents act 1988). Another downside of 3D printers is the health risks they may impose on users due to considerable amounts of harmful emissions the machine gives off in the printing process, although according to new studies, users can protect themselves by using the machines in well ventilated areas.
In the latest James Bond film ‘Skyfall’ the filmmakers had three Aston Martin DB5s created by German 3D printer specialists Augsburg, so that they could be blown up and destroyed without damaging the expensive original. Architects Fosters and partners have revealed plans to build a 3d printed base of the moon, created using the actual soil as the substrate to print with. Scientists are already looking at the possibility of producing printed cells and organs for transplant. Dutch architect, Janjaap Ruijssenaars of Amsterdam firm Universal Architecture, last month unveiled his plans to build the world’s first 3D printed house using panels of up to 6x9m in size. Japan based Fab cafe offers a special 2 day course to learn how to transform your head into a 3D digitally produced chocolate model for Valentines Day model. A silicon mould is produced in high definition via a ProjetHD printer and then filled with chocolate for your loved one to eat!.
Another machine that has many uses and is often used in the creative industries is the laser machine. They are used to precisely cut or engrave a wide range of materials such as acrylic, cardboard, fabrics and wood, using a laser. A chosen image is uploaded onto the software that works with the machine and settings are adjusted. The main skills required to operate the laser has to do with the knowledge of the cutting speed VS laser power for each material. What’s impressive about these machines is how fast and versatile they are. Many products can be made using the laser cutter such as cards/invitations, decorative items, sculptures, jewellery, toys, models etc. Laser cutters also speed up the process of producing architectural / models, which designers will need to show prospective clients. Whilst using the machine designers must always be trying to minimize any risks at work, For example wearing goggles and not looking directly into the laser beam (Health and safety at work act 1974) Manufacturers must constantly be assessing the health and safety aspects of products to consumers.
Here I have included a table of the main Legislations that help minimise risks for designers.
There are few other machines I have been doing some
research on which include the Vinyl printer (CAMM 1) and the CNC Router (CAMM 2) which I will discuss in upcoming posts.
For now… Thanks
for reading!
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