Splodge

Background

In this activity children are able to create a 3D shape on a computer using a haptic device and a software package called Splodge.   The 3D shape is then manufactured on a desktop milling machine.

Splodge is a demonstration software for designng 3D shape using the Phantom Omni haptic or force feedback device.

The Phantom Onmi is produced by Sensable and the concept was originally developed at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).

Haptic is a Greek word which means totouch or to feel.  The Haptic device allows users to interact with and feel 3D computer models. Using a haptic device allows you to work more efficiently and intuitively with 3D models.  This technology is being devloped for a wide range of applications including medical simulation and training (sugery, injections, dentinstry etc), industrial simulating, rehabilitation, therapy.  Examples of applications can be seen here: Sensgraphics Hall of Fame.

The milling machine is a ROLAND MDX-40.  It is a desktop milling machine mainly used for rapid prototyping and jewlery manufacture.

The Cyberneering Link

This activity obviously makes the link between 3D computing design and manufacturing. 

Most people are not aware that engineers do alot of design and analysis work on computers with 3D models.  You can point out that just about everything that they buy in a shop (from mobile phones to the bottles an tins their juice comes in) has probably been modeled to some extent on a computer, by an engineer.

The concept of Design for Manufacture and Assembly is raised (we can’t mill every shape that is made using splodge) .  Also the concepts 0f bespoke or customisable products and mass produced items can be discussed.   (Ie what are the advantages of making a computer model in clay, as opposed to just using real clay).  You can also talk about the different types of rapid prototyping processes. There have been a number of EPSRC funded projects on rapid prototyping carried out at HW.  (Details to follow).