Modelling method wins UK patent
A
Delcam product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Nov 15, 2005
Delcam has been granted a UK patent for its unique Total Modelling method for adding logos, textures, styling details and other decoration to CAD models.
Delcam has been granted a UK patent (Patent 2 389 764) for its unique Total Modelling method for adding logos, textures, styling details and other decoration to CAD models.
Successful applications of the technique already include the development of packaging, footwear, ceramics and toys, and many other products where complex decoration can add value.
Total Modelling moves beyond conventional solid and surface modelling by bringing together elements of Delcam's Power Solution software range in a unique, fully integrated combination of CAD design, reverse engineering and triangle modelling methods.
This wide range of techniques gives designers the ability to create innovative products more easily and more quickly, without any restrictions to their creativity.
It provides the fastest method for the early "what if?" stage of concept design, allowing a far greater number of alternative proposals to be created and compared in a much shorter time.
Total Modelling enables triangle models, including those generated within the ArtCAM engraving program and the CopyCAD reverse engineering system, to be incorporated into surface or solid models created in Delcam's Powershape hybrid CAD software.
This close integration means that designers can move between the different types of modelling more easily and see more quickly the effects on the overall design of any changes in a single element.
The patent granted covers three key aspects of product design with CAD.
First, it covers the ability to create a solid model that combines parametric surfaces and facetted reliefs, such that the resulting model is watertight.
Secondly, it covers Delcam's unique embossing method based on wrapping using texture mapping.
Thirdly, it covers the ability to represent the embossing as a solid feature, such that when the underlying surfaces change the embossing is rewrapped and retrimmed.
Total Modelling enables logos, textures and other decorations to be incorporated into product designs more readily to help reinforce branding.
It also means that any subsequent changes can be completed more quickly, for example when updating a design to be used in merchandising for a new television or film promotion.
The use of Total Modelling is both more flexible and more powerful than the Boolean addition techniques used in most CAD modellers.
Total Modelling also enables the addition of styling features to products ranging from automotive exteriors to domestic appliances.
In the automotive industry, different body styling of both decorative features and functional items, like air intakes, can be incorporated with an exact match to the underlying bodywork.
The size, position and design of these features can be changed in seconds, rather than the hours that would be needed with conventional CAD modelling techniques.
In a similar way, both decorative items and functional textures, such as grip surfaces, can be added to designs for electrical equipment that needs to meet both aesthetic and practical requirements.
Total Modelling can also be used for any bespoke items, for example, footwear, medical devices, prosthetics or sports equipment.
Design data specific to the individual customer or patient can be captured by reverse engineering and then used to modify a general outline design to any particular requirements.
"The granting of this patent has confirmed the unique and innovative nature of Total Modelling", commented Delcam's CAD Development Director, Stuart Watson.
"It means that Delcam is the only company able to offer this extremely powerful and flexible way for designers to work with CAD data, regardless of the way it has been created or whether it exists in a solid, surface or triangle format".
"In addition, because Total Modelling can be directly linked into all Delcam's downstream applications for tooling design, machining, and inspection, once the design has been finalised, it can be brought into mass production quickly and cost-effectively".
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CAD system simplifies total modelling process
Delcam reckons that the latest version of its PowerShape CAD system has made its unique total modelling functionality much easier to use. -
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Delcam will demonstrate what it claims to be the world's only complete CADCAM system for the design and manufacture of footwear on stand A35-B32 at the SIMAC exhibition. -
Product design and decoration solution on show
At the Solid Modelling Show to be held at the NEC, Birmingham, on 27th and 28th April, Delcam will demonstrate its unique Total Modelling system for product design and decoration. -
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Delcam's Total Modelling design solution has enabled Vega Auto, one of India's leading manufacturers of motorcycle helmets, to produce custom-made helmet designs at an economical price. -
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By using the Total Modelling design system, Mexican company Artesanias Finas en Estano has halved the time taken to create a novel range of promotional items for the local tequila industry.
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