[Tigers] Off Topic Replicator Bots

[Rense, Mark (GE Indust, ConsInd)]

It's called Stereo Lithography (SLA), I have two machines here in the
lab for making prototypes and low-volume die-casting molds. The system
takes files from our Solidworks or ProE CAD systems and builds a 3-D
model. For "reverse-engineering", we also have a laser CMM scanner for
direct physical input.

There are now a host of engineering polymers available for SLA machines,
we have the ability to make parts which can withstand 180 degrees C.
Other polymers will make parts strong enough to produce complex linkages
or even gear trains. It's a good thing too, as we have lost most of the
skilled tool & die makers who used to do our model shop work.

Bugz

-----Original Message-----
From: tigers-bounces+mark.rense=ge.com at autox.team.net
[mailto:tigers-bounces+mark.rense=ge.com at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of
grl19
Sent: Monday, June 23, 2008 1:26 PM
To: 'Steve Laifman'; 'Tiger's Den'
Subject: Re: [Tigers] Off Topic Replicator Bots

There are systems out there will take a 3-D AutoCad drawing and create a
plastic model of it.  Using a special plastic hardened by a certain
laser.
The company I worked for before retiring scanned a typical crescent
wrench with a laser, fed it into the modeler and it turned out a fully
functional crescent wrench.  They also scanned a planetary gear assembly
& re-created it, again fully functional.

I want one to go with my laser etching system but the cost is grossly
prohibitive as a toy!

George

B382000283