Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
the inside that transitions into hardened steel on the outside. While some 3D
printers can already fabricate such a complicated multimetal gear, there isn't
yet design software that can enable this task.
Another dificulty arises when different types of materials are combined in
novel ways. Sometimes material properties change dramatically as the printed
shape of an object changes, adding an additional layer of complexity that
today's design software isn't equipped to handle. The ability to combine sev-
eral different types of materials into a single printed physical object promises
vast new design possibilities, but until design software evolves to meet the
challenge, these possibilities remain unexplored.
When a designed part has complicated and intricate features, is made of mul-
tiple materials, or involves millions of detailed and different design surfaces, its
design ile must gobble up large amounts of memory. This is why modern-day
design software can't yet accurately depict a detailed model of a lesh and blood
human hand, complete with cells, nerve endings, and vascular structures.
What you design is not (necessarily)
what you print
The conversion from design ile to printable object is where the long, one-sided
relationship between CAD and 3D printing becomes apparent. In response,
people who make and work with 3D printers have devised ways to help design
iles print out as planned. Some software tools such as Materialise Magics and
Netfabb act as “repair” tools to help users ind out what's wrong with their
design iles.
We wanted to briely mention another software-related aspect of 3D print-
ing: STL iles. (Remember John T. Lee from ABC Imaging?) To prepare clients'
design iles for printing, John converted the iles into STL format. STL iles
play a critical role in the transition from design ile to 3D printer.
STL: The current standard
Standards and ile formats are the lingua franca of technology, a critical foun-
dation of interoperability. For example the MP3 ile format enabled every-
one—including makers of music players and consumers—to swap, sell, buy,
and download music iles, making possible today's music industry. Similar
industry-standard ile formats are the commercial heartbeat of other forms of
