Novel Methods for the Creation of 3-D Geometry From 2-D Sources
Context
Vehicle stylists initially produce two-dimensional sketches and tape drawings to communicate their design concepts. These then have to be translated into three-dimensional form to allow full evaluation of the concept and ultimately the design of production tooling.
The creation of form and surface is particularly important in the automotive industry, and very expensive investment decisions have to be based on a thorough and time-consuming assessment of a very limited range of options.
Aims
The project aims to produce accurate 3-D drawings of vehicle concepts very quickly at an early stage in vehicle development. This will allow more options to be explored, and allow a more rapid transfer of the information about the chosen design to downstream processes such as tool design.
Method
An investigation of current styling and surface engineering practice in the automotive industry
Documentation of current methods and a proposal of new tools that could expedite the transfer from 2-D to 3-D geometry
Production of prototypes of selected tools to support the new methods.
Evaluation and documentation of the tools.
Benefits
Motor manufacturers will have an opportunity to compress business cycles, to improve information flows and explore a greater number of design avenues in more detail before committing themselves to expensive investment decisions.
The techniques will be of wider interest to other sectors of industrial design and a wider community in the fine arts.
Participants
Coventry University
Rover
Ford Motor Company,
SDRC UK
Alias|Wavefront
For published information on the 3Dfrom2D project, please click on this link:
Papers and Publications
Foresight Vehicle Secretariat, c/o SMMT, 2410 Regents Court, Birmingham Business Park, Email:
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