uncg iar 560: CDI Trip Review

CDI review

http://www.centerfordesigninnovation.org/Services/Prototyping.php

Medical prototype created at CDI

The Center for Design Innovation in Winston-Salem is part of the University of North Carolina system. Their goal as stated on their website is "to catalyze economic transformation of the state's Piedmont area through design-focused activity based on advanced digital technologies" They have diverse equipment and resources to support technology driven research. They are in the midst of funding and building a new location which will be an even greater addition to the university system.

Motion study at CDI

The trip to the Center for Design Innovation was a great way to show the realities of the equipment that we have studied. The example output samples that they were able to share really gave me a better sense of what the process and equipment is like. The really interesting aspect of CDI is what it was created to be. It is a multi-campus research center. They are not there for mass production of products, but for research and design development and as such they partner with several local schools. CDI also offers a large reconfigureable space for use. They offer, in addition to the prototype printing, media production and a variety of equipment and computers to support research like motion detection and data analysis.

Z Corp 510 3-d color printer

Dimension 3-d printer

These two images are examples of two of the 3d machines that they have and they also have a large format Epson color printer shown below. They have already been producing various models. The uses for rapid prototyping has diverse industries looking at these types of machines. Examples they had on hand included medical, furniture, and art models. The ability to create a complicated object practically overnight is a major advantage to the design process. Another advantage is then being able to quickly study and modify the model because of the tactile exploration that a physical model affords you. There facilities close proximity is a valueable tool to add to UNCG's CAMstudio. Together there is a great ability for model production and learning through advanced digital fabrication that is demanded in the architectural industry, and other industries as stated above. I am glad that we were able to meet the people behind the name and experience what their culture is like in person. It is a beneficial reference.