Using SolidWorks, McKinney researches and models every feature as accurately as possible; the ship is placed in the CAD in full scale and then reduced to the intended scale.
The full-scale CAD model is then being used to produce a 1/32nd scale physical replica, which translates into a 28-foot-long steel ship that will feature the ship's complete functionality, including radar and fully operational scaled weapons. McKinney is also working with partners who are providing stereolithography services to create realistic 3D fittings based on the SolidWorks model, as well as to add a voice command telemetry (VCT) system that will allow presenters to give full military orders to the vessel and receive an immediate response.
One of the more interesting aspects of McKinney's project is the idea of leveraging a full-scale CAD model of a complex assembly like a plane or ship to create a representative model form, according to Victor Johnson, a partner on the project and a former aerospace engineer who worked on the booster system for the Apollo spacecraft along with the Space Shuttle program.
"If you're going to make a design modification to a vehicle, whether it's a ship or airplane, instead of building and testing the final result, which is very expensive, putting it into a representative model form can reduce overall costs immensely," Johnson says.
In addition to the Missouri, McKinney and his colleagues are hoping to create operational replicas of all the Iowa Class Battleships, including the Iowa, the New Jersey, and the Wisconsin.
Thanks, Beth, that's what I thought. It would be interesting to find out what, if any, upper limits there are on complexity for 3D printing. Does anyone know if there's some kind of gauge to use?
I think that was what I was getting at in my comments earlier. I think you're right Ann--I'm not so sure current 3D printing capabilities could produce an entire ship of this complexity. Even though it is a scaled model, it's still pretty complex in terms of components and integrated systems.
I'm not sure what the most complex 3D printed model/component has been. I do know we've reported on the Urbee EV vehicle from KOR Logic, which was 3D printed for the prototyping stage. But even with that example, it wasn't all the components of the vehicle that were 3D printed--just the main body components.
I think Jack's question is an interesting one. Beth, do you think 3D printing is capable of handling such a complex CAD model? For that matter, what is the most complex CAD model 3D printers can handle? In interviews for my December feature on AM
That might be a good marketing opportunity for the printer companies, to partner with somebody like this. The battleship model will probably get a lot cross-market media attention and they could demonstrate what their products can do.
That's definitely an interesting idea, Jack, and one that's likely viable. It would really depend on whether this crew has access to 3D printing technology, which you know is expensive. I don't think the size or the materials would preclude the use of 3D printers, although the intricacy of all the modules and interconnected components and systems might make it difficult.
To combine a couple of Design News articles.... I wonder if it would be useful, in this case to utilize a 3D printer? Depending upon the material that the printer makes (and the size capability), this might be a good application for it. Here he as the 3D model created and might be able to go directly from virtual to real with a push of a button.
Absolutely, CAD is playing a role in other historical explorations--ship building or otherwise. We've reported in the past on 3D tools like CAD and visualization packages being used to reconstruct archeological sites like the Great Pyramid of Kheops. Specifically, French architect Jean-Pierre Houdin tapped Dassault's 3D solutions to recreate the pyramid construction site in 3D.
Two battleships on one page is almost more than I can take, but that's for traffic reasons. As for the story, this is an excellent, fascinating, and valuable example of historical archaeology brought to life via CAD. Kudos to McKinney. I wonder if there's other work going on regarding ships built centuries earlier, where the CAD tools may help uncover/illuminate mysteries regarding their construction.
The actual battleship is anchored in Pearl Harbor next to the Arizona memorial. It is possible to take a tour of the inner workings of the ship which will let you see inside the gun turrents and engine room. Highly recommended!
The 3D printing revolution seems to have a knack for quickly moving technology ahead by way of collaborative effort and even a little friendly competition -- all of course in the name of scientific advancement.
Laura Sapiens' Ego! Smartmouse offers users a unique interactive experience by providing 2D and 3D connectivity, hardware identity authentication, data storage, and more.
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