Often the designer is unhappy with the way his CAD file translates into a 3D CAM or stereolithography model. This has to do with the way NURBS work. When developing a free form 3D surface in a CAD program, the designer only defines the edges and perhaps a profile or two. The surfacing algorithms of the CAD program are what then fill in all the intermediate areas. So the designer has defined only a very small percentage of the surface, and the program algorithms have defined almost all of the 3D surface. The resulting 3D model can be disappointing.

If the smoothness of the model or visual highlights are critical yet incorrect, something must be done. It is common practice for Ideas In 3D to make CNC models from the files and modify these models to get the desired results. But how to get from there back to CAM programs?

Our answer at Ideas in 3D is to digitize the modified model. After processing the data with our proprietary systems, we compare the files to ensure that no detail has been lost. We can then generate 3D CNC models in solid urethane for final approval.