Apparently, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow the other week, so with about five weeks of winter remaining, this seems to be a good time to assemble strategies for upcoming projects!
In this issue I'd would like to demonstrate one very important difference between CAD and 3D modeling - flattened or developed faces. Whatever the industry, whether it's making clothing, boats or architectural woodwork, we all need to cut and work the components in their flattened state before assembling. This is one of the critical areas where skilled 3D modeling excels at simplifying complex projects.
By focusing on the individual components below I'd like to demonstrate why our services can really be of benefit:
                            
(Simple Curved Faces)   

This cupola caps the oculus of a dome ceiling over an elliptical foyer, connecting to a skylight above. To channel more light through the oculus required the cupola to have sloping sides. To further add to the complexity, it required ventilation and lastly an end-of-the-month completion schedule.

The next business day I was was 400 miles south field dimensioning and the following week the model was complete and ready to start fabrication.
This enabled every virtual part to be either flattened for laminating, or CNC cut on the 5-axis router.
With our collective skills, the entire job was delivered on time and as planned.

 

 

 Example #2

(Twisted Faces)  

 

The structure of this stair was built entirely of steel. However, because of its extremely small inside radius, the structural tube clearly couldn't be bent. Our skills in both 3D modeling and fabrication enabled us to virtually flatten not only the sides of the tube, but the top and bottom as well.

 

This enabled the shop to confidently and efficiently CNC cut the pieces from 1/4" plate steel, roll the parts to shape and assemble them on a form, holding tolerances to approximately 1/16" . 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 For more details click here:  
                               
(Compound Curved Faces)

This Dome Ceiling needed to be free standing, giving a sound base for plaster and providing clean groin vault intersections.
The strategy was to turn it around in a week using the 5-axis CNC to cut every part - like a kit - for shop assembly. In the past, compound curved faces required making a template by scribing and fitting. That's simply outdated. Here, like all the other parts, the skins were cut once and assembled with no tedious fitting required.

The job was ready to go at the end of the week.
Dome Photo (inside)

Mohawk Steel 

The above examples are just some of the ways we are using 3D modeling technology to streamline complex tasks and to reduce shop error. 

We are experienced fabricators providing 3D layouts and drawings for the building related trades. 

We are very passionate about how much our problem-solving services reduce error, establish fabrication confidence and streamline the most custom of work.

Please call 207-221-3555 or visit our website and drop us a line if we can be of any assistance.

Sincerely,
Rufus Cooke 

          
        

           
            3D Modeling by
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