Importance of CAD and Modeling

Importance of Prototyping and Modeling Before Building

Great video showing the importance of CAD and modeling prior to build, as opposed to the tendency of people to get right to building without proper modeling and analysis. Ability to do the proper CAD and modeling is a sign of a mature design approach. It takes time, but it ends up saving time and materials - and more importantly - prevents frustration or even personal risk.

For simple machines, better results are obtained when they are modeled or prototyped. For complex machines, finishing is simply impossible without proper prototyping.

Modeling is important with OSE's heavy machines for another reason: safety. We focus on extra design/modeling work specifically to minimize the risk of injury. Working with real-life heavy machines is dangerous. Heavy machines, partially built, are a natural crushing risk if they fall or move unexpectedly.

OSE Prototyping

For prototyping, OSE is developing these tools:

• Robust CAD capacity in FreeCAD, including part libraries and Design Workbenches for specific machines in FreeCAD
• 3D Printing - D3D is a great way to make scale models, working prototypes, or enclosures for electronics
• Laser Cutting - D3D Laser Cutter is a small laser that can make models from cardboard or wood up to 3 mm thick. Models are assembled from 2D to 3D
• D3D CNC Circuit Mill - for prototyping controllers and other electronics

See [OSE_Rapid_Prototyping]] for examples of modeling with tubing and laser cut parts.