Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Naval architects could quickly sketch out a shape for a water tank on their
computers. Then in response to information from the logistics divisions,
quickly digitally change the volume of the water tank. They could virtually
“weigh” the tank and determine its manufacturing cost. Most importantly, the
computer could calculate the effect of the water tank's shape and size choices
on the ship's stability at high sea—something that would take an expert more
than a week.
The great thing about design software is that it renders the physical world
digital, injecting all the beneits of automation into the design process. The
not-so-great thing about design software is that it still isn't, even today,
capable of digitally capturing the full essence of physical objects. Computers
deal well with predictable sets of a inite number of elements—for example,
calculating all the different possible combinations of chess moves two play-
ers can make. Yet the physical world doesn't break down easily into a set of
inite possibilities.
Today's design software
Design software and 3D printing technologies are together leaping forward
and changing the way people design and make things. However, their rela-
tionship has been largely one-sided. 3D printing grew up reliant on design
software. Yet design software did not grow up reliant on 3D printing. In fact,
design software is only now starting to take 3D printing seriously as a viable
medium for design.
There's only so much a design ile can tell a 3D printer. If we're ever going to
3D print a “real” rock, fully functioning robot, or new kidney, design software
will need to raise its game. Most mass-produced objects are made in separate
pieces and assembled rather than in a single complicated piece. Design soft-
ware can't map what's below an object's surface. Hence, an object's innards
remain beyond the reach of what a typical computer (and design software)
can handle.
