Technical Characteristics and Technological Capabilities of Concept Modellers

This chapter gives a technical overview of commercially available Concept Modellers. These are a new range of RP systems addressing the specific needs of CAD offices. Although CAD systems have empowered designers with a number of tools to minimise errors and maximise design quality offering facilities such as photorealistic visualisation, interactive product simulation, assembly analysis, and kinematic and stress analysis, the design remains intangible until a physical model is built. Concept Modellers fill this gap by offering relatively quick and cost effective methods for building physical models at any design stage. They are marketed as new CAD peripheral solutions which enable designers to verify and iterate their designs without leaving the office. Typically, Concept Modellers build models more quickly but not so accurately as other RP systems and usually cost less than $50,000. The following RP systems are classed as Concept Modellers: 3D Systems ThermoJet printer (Multi-Jet Modeller); Sanders ModelMaker II (Inkjet Modelling Technology); Z-Corporation Z402 (3D printer); Stratasys Genisys Xs printer; JP System 5; Objet Quadra system.