DeskProto shows affordable Rapid Prototyping systems at Euromold.

For immediate release, Nov 2002.

Utrecht (NL) -- Nov 6, 2002 -- The innovative DeskProto solution for Rapid Prototyping will be shown at this year's Euromold, in a combined presentation of Delft Spline Systems (Netherlands) and Filou Software (Germany).

DeskProto offers a new approach to Rapid Prototyping (RP) by applying subtractive technology: removing small chips of material using a CNC milling machine. Most current RP systems apply additive technology: stacking thin layers of material on top of each other, also called Layered Manufacturing Technology. Main advantage of additive RP is its ability to handle very complex geometries. Advantages of DeskProto's subtractive approach include: a much lower price (of the system and per model), a free choice of material, a free choice of accuracy (both rough concept models and detailed presentation models are possible), and the possibility of large size models.

"Current RP systems are way too expensive for most design bureaus and departments" says Lex Lennings, sales manager for DeskProto. "The combination of DeskProto with a desktop CNC milling machine is affordable for any design house. Having an in-house RP system skips the delays and cost of using external RP service bureaus, and stimulates the use of models during all stages of the design process."

Illustration: CNC toolpaths for a freeformed
golf handle, created in DeskProto.
(click here for a larger size)

The DeskProto software can import STL files (the standard file format for RP) from any 3D CAD system, and export toolpath information to any CNC milling machine. In fact DeskProto is a 3D CAM software, specially suited for RP applications. While other 3D CAM software is aimed at toolmakers, who want to be able to control any milling parameter as they know exactly what they are doing, DeskProto is aimed at designers, who do not know much about CAM and do not want to be bothered with that knowledge as well. DeskProto makes the procedure from 3D CAD file to CNC toolpath file very easy: it will take care of any potential problem and solve it without bothering the user. A second key feature is the very low price of the software: a complete RP system (DeskProto plus desktop milling machine) is already available for only 6.000 Euro.

Despite the low-end price DeskProto includes high-end features, like automatic feedrate reduction at high chiploads, collet collision check, full rotation axis support, the two-sided milling wizard, and much more. Current users range from one person design and models shops to multinational A-brand companies like Unilever, Lancome, Sony-Ericsson and NASA.

At the Euromold fair DeskProto will be presented in Hall 9.1, stand number B05. Of course a CNC milling machine will be present for real demonstrations.

About Euromold

EuroMold is worldwide the leading trade fair for Modelmaking, Moldmaking, and Design. Presented are technologies and innovations for Design, Prototyping and Series Production. EuroMold 2002 is the 9th EuroMold, expecting over 55.000 visitors and over 1.600 exhibitors, from 45 countries. The Fair is held in Frankfurt (Germany), on 4 to 7 December 2002. For more information see www.euromold.com

About DeskProto

DeskProto by Delft Spline Systems is the 3D CAM program that has made CNC milling a competing technology for Rapid Prototyping. The software can import STL files from any 3D CAD system, and can export NC program files suited for any 3-axis CNC milling machine. Key features are the low price and ease of use (the software is aimed at designers, not at CAM specialists) .
For more information see www.deskproto.com

Illustration:

For an illustration the file JoeAppGerman.GIF (769 x 572 pixels, 74 Kb) is available: www.deskproto.com/photos/joeappgerman.gif
Caption for this illustration is : "A DeskProto screenshot, showing the imported geometry (detail of a freeformed golf handle) and part of the NC toolpaths for a prototype."

For more information

on this press release contact Lex Lennings of Delft Spline Systems
Tel +31 30 296 5957, Fax +31 30 296 2292 Email info@deskproto.com

DeskProto is a registered trademark of Delft Spline Systems.

view this page in printer friendly format