From IDEAS, SKETCHES or PROTOTYPES, we can supply styling, engineering, product 3D files and STL files.

It all starts with an Idea. However in order to produce an idea, it must be transformed into a 3 Dimensional object for the full realization of size, weight, depth, functionality and feel that cannot be realized on a 2 dimensional computer screen

Industrial Design is an all encompassing phrase that must include all aspects of a winning product which is basically FIT, FORM & FUNCTION.

This is what we are all about, hence our business name. Ideas In 3D!

Styling FreeForm

This is the area that all CAD packages have difficulties with especially with Solid modeling packages primarily because most solid modelers are parametrically driven. In other words, they are controlled by parameters or dimensions. You cannot conventionally dimension FreeForm shapes as there are no flat or spherical portions to these type of shapes that are needed to support parameters.

Styling on an automobile for example is basically composed of constantly changing splines or contours in both directions. This is what basically creates a pleasant shape or an unpleasant shape depending on it's creator's taste for style.

CAD systems are very poor at styling functions mainly because they create form and shapes from mathematically defined functions.

Sales and eye appeal on most consumer products is greatly controlled by styling and is a most important part of the fit and function of most any consumer product.

Ideas In 3D has been dedicated to bringing Styling and FreeForm shapes to the manufacturing table. This quest, I hope, will bring relief to most CAD designers that are responsible for the tooling or the bringing of product to market.

It is now possible, due to advanced technology, for Ideas In 3D to sculpt digitally in the computer and manually feel the clay-like creation or modification of the design with the sense of touch.

We have come a long way to satisfy our FreeForm customer's needs!

Engineering

Design Engineering encompasses esthetic design, proper material selection and applied forces in the customers product idea.

Our engineering capabilities and a working knowledge of manufacturing goes beyond commonly known practices. The result of our 40 years of experience is lower costs to our customers and shorter lead times to production.

We can take your ideas or concepts and develop them into 3-D products, machines, vehicles or instruments. Computer aided design, styling, industrial design and prototyping can be included in all quotations.

Product 3D Files

We also can supply our customers with 3D product files from only an Idea or sketch where CAD is the starting medium and not an actual model as in Reverse Engineering.

Creating 3D computer files can be done in basically two ways.

The first and most common way is to create the file from information that is either conceived from an original idea, a modified idea of an existing product, words, sketches etc.. This is probably the way that 90% of all design is now done. In this way of creating, there are no existing actual model to match or replicate.

The Solid and Surface CAD modeling software's of today are extremely well suited for this task however I should mention at this point that the designs will be constructed in a mathematically defined way and that ultimately what is created will be viewed on a 2-dimensional computer screen with no feel for size, weight or function.

It is then extremely important at this stage to have an actual model of the file materialized either with the process of Stereo Lithography or by CNC machining. This will allow the customer to make inevitable changes and go through the process again as many times as necessary to make it right.

Ideas In 3D can also easily utilize this creation method with our customers.

However Ideas In 3D thinks that the reverse of this method of creating is the preferred way to develop an idea. We think that having an actual model or prototype that you can feel first and are able to debug in the real world is the most cost effective way to develop product. The next logical step then would be to create and engineer all the necessary CAD files for production. In this preferred method of development, you eliminate many of the guessing that needs to occur on a 2-dimensional computer screen.

To copy and refine from an actual object that already exists in the real world and has been proven is what we specialize in.

Herein lies the term Reverse Engineering, which simply stated, is the creation of the information to create the part from the part that is already approved by the customer.

STL Files

This is a portion of an STL file which is basically composed of very small triangles that forms all surfaces of the model.

These type of files can be created from 3D Digitized points, 3D NURBS surfaces or 3D Solid models in the computer depending on the type of software available.

These types of files are extensively used for the process known as Stereo Lithography where an actual model can be materialized from a bath of ultra violet light sensitive liquid with a laser light beam.

With the technological advancements of these liquid plastic materials, a proper plastic part can be made within a few days in order to prove the CAD design.

Ideas In 3D has the capabilities of providing these types of files and service for it's customers.

(310) 530-4391 - Get a Quote!