Recapping Part 1 – From Imagination to Exhibition: Designing and 3D Printing a Model Car (Steps 1-9)
CADimensions collaborated with the Museum of Science and Technology (MOST) in Syracuse, NY, to create a project that illustrates the engineering and 3D printing process, showcasing the journey from a simple sketch to a physical car model. The idea began with a sketch by Marketing Strategist Ben Davis, symbolizing creativity and quick thinking. This concept was then presented to the MOST, sparking enthusiasm and setting the stage for a collaborative effort involving a skilled team, each member contributing their expertise. The team utilized the 3DEXPERIENCE platform for seamless remote collaboration, while Product Designer, Amy Peterson, focused on the car's shell design, balancing aesthetics and functionality. Technical Support Application Engineer, Autumn Dekay, meticulously engineered the car’s internal mechanics, ensuring optimal performance. Ben Davis handled the branding the exterior design using Blender, while Sr. Additive Manufacturing Application Engineer, Matt Corcoran, selected the right materials and machines for printing. The project progressed through testing and refining prototypes, ensuring the final product was both functional and visually impressive.
After putting various prototypes to the test, Matt coordinated with the design team to fine-tune each component for printing, addressing challenges such as strength, and print precision. After reaching ideal part optimization, the final pieces were printed, he carefully assembled the model, ensuring every element fit together seamlessly. The result was a stunning, fully realized car model that vividly demonstrated the potential of 3D printing, while strongly reflecting the CADimensions brand.
Together, our team traced the evolution of our car project from its initial spark of inspiration to the final 3D printed model. It begins with the original notepad drawing, showcasing the raw, creative start of our design process. This is followed by the CAD model, which brings precision and detail into play. We then display the prototypes, each iteration refining and perfecting the design. Then the intricate inner workings of the car, demonstrating the technical challenges and innovations. The journey culminates with the impressive 3D printed car. Alongside these elements, our display includes descriptive labels that narrate each step of the process. Additionally, strategically placed 3D printed QR codes link to informative videos for young minds featuring key team members—Project Manager Ben, Industrial Designer Amy, and 3D Printing Engineer Matt—each sharing insights into their pivotal roles and contributions to the project. If interested in viewing, we have linked each video below.
On our path to ensure the durability and elegance of our final exhibit, we visited Marty at Leigh-Dale Specialties to observe the detailed process of shaping the acrylic cover that protects our display. Marty guided us through each step of bending the acrylic with precision, demonstrating his expertise in crafting a protective element that not only enhances the exhibit's visual appeal but also preserves the integrity of the details within. His careful work ensures that the finished acrylic cover will provide a crystal-clear shield, allowing visitors to appreciate the full scope of our project while safeguarding it from potential damage.
The final installation of our exhibit at the MOST came with a culmination of creativity and craftsmanship, bringing our 3D printed car model from concept to reality in a spectacular way. The MOST team added their unique creative touches, starting with Ben's ingenious idea to use a striking diamond plate – adding a touch of industrial flair, then carefully securing every detail of the story to the plate itself. They also handcrafted a wooden shelf, positioned at a dynamic 45-degree angle, providing an elevated and engaging view of the display. The final touch was the acrylic shell, which enhances the exhibit's sleek appearance while offering protection. Seeing all hard work come to fruition, the finished display in its environment, with all these elements perfectly in place, was truly exhilarating. The exhibit was all set and ready for the official event, which was just a few days away!
On August 10th, 2024, we proudly unveiled the 3D Printing Exhibit at the MOST. Designed to be a permanent fixture, this exhibit showcases the transformative role of 3D printing in modern product development, with a focus on educating and inspiring the youth of Central New York. Visitors are treated to an immersive experience that guides them through the entire product development process, from initial sketches to the final 3D-printed model. In addition, a standout feature of the event was the live demonstration of a Stratasys Origin 3D printer (Ollie the Origin – the persona we developed for our 3D printer – this is the reason for the googly eyes, for those who are unaware), which captivated attendees as it produced a complex, in-house designed piece, underscoring our collaboration.
The event also highlighted our commitment to the community. Andy DiLaura, our president emphasized the importance of this partnership in developing future engineers and innovators. “We are thrilled to partner with MOST in this joint venture. Being part of the Makers & Machines exhibit alongside companies like Tessy Plastics and Morse Manufacturing is a great honor, and we take immense pride in educating young innovators about the impact of engineering and additive manufacturing on our community,” Andy said. “Through this partnership, we’re helping develop tomorrow’s engineers and makers, today.”
MOST President Lauren Kochian expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting how the exhibit will engage visitors and introduce kids to high-tech careers. “The MOST is so excited about this incredible display from our partner, CADimensions. highlighting evolving technologies like 3D printing helps engage our visitors and teach kids about careers in high-tech fields right here in Central New York.” She added, “The CADimensions exhibit in our Tessy Machines & Makers sponsored by Marquardt exhibit is a perfect way to get kids excited about the whole project design process.”
With MOST attracting over 120,000 visitors in 2023, the 3D printing exhibit is expected to inspire many young minds, with plans for future events, including an interactive engineering class led by one of our very own engineers. We’ve also considered periodically updating the display every few years to continually showcase our evolving capabilities in new and exciting ways – so stay tuned, more to come!
Our team of CADimensions engineers and designers worked hard to craft every inch of this car, using next-level tools like SOLIDWORKS, 3DEXPERIENCE, and an army of Stratasys 3D printers. But it wasn’t the tech that made this car so great — it’s the skills of our engineers and designers who took it from a sketch on a napkin to a museum-quality showpiece.