technologies

On these pages you will find my perspective of the FreeForm™ modelling system along with an overview of input and output technologies, written in 2002.

There are many ways to use these digital tools to create ideas and make things happen. Digital tools offer new opportunities for originality and creativity. Knowing what you want to achieve is usually the designers primary focus and will affect the choice of concept tool and process you adopt. When you have defined your design path it will need to synchronise with a manufacturing or post - production process in order to reach the predetermined conclusion. For Fine Artists and Sculptors a digital tool becomes the vehicle or means with which the artist can explore an idea without physical limitations or restrictions, before Haptics and FreeForm this was mainly a visual illusionary world accessed through the keyboard and mouse. With FreeForm the Haptic physical contact and virtual reality experienced connects the artist intuitively with the digital form.

I have tried below to give a pedestrian introduction to the technologies available from a practical and pragmatic viewpoint.

It is not intended to give a definitive authoritative description of each technology but to add a little colour and depth to a new 3D production picture.

FreeForm^tm changed the way I work and opened up new horizons from not having used a computer to generate work to being the first FreeForm freelancer in the UK.

FreeForm™ page 1

Origins - Contact - Access - Advantages - Creative - Realization - Creative

FreeForm™ page 2

Education - Sculpture - Magic - Advance - Commercial - Opportunities - Software - New Dynamic

FreeForm™ page 3

Engineering versus craft - Virtual Reality application

Laser Scanning

Laser capture of real objects

Rapid prototyping systems

Context - Realization

RP additive

Adding material - Self supporting - Additional support

RP subtractive

CNC Machining - Manufacture and multiple copies