How Creating TCO Format Revolutionized My Industrial Design Process and Expanded Possibilities in 3D Printing
- Andrey Neyman
- Sep 16, 2019
- 3 min read
In today's world of industrial design, where 3D printing is becoming a game changer, the right tools can elevate your work to new heights. Traditional software like 3DsMax and Blender have advanced capabilities, primarily used in filmmaking and gaming, creating stunning visualizations and models. However, as an industrial designer, my focus has mostly been on traditional solid modeling techniques like boundary representation (b-rep) and NURBS. This is where I recognized the need to blend conventional methods with the dynamic possibilities offered by 3D templates, leading to the creation of the TCO format.
The Need for a New Approach
During my design journey, it became evident that conventional b-rep solid modeling falls short in delivering the creative flexibility that industries like gaming and animation enjoy. Industrial designers often get trapped in a mindset centered on functionality and technology, which can limit our exploration of more imaginative design options.
With the rise of 3D printing, which saw a staggering market growth in the past decade, I felt compelled to explore how merging the strengths of mesh-based software could significantly enhance design workflows.
Inspiration from FBX
The FBX (Filmbox) format was originally developed for the film industry, but its adaptability and efficiency in exchanging 3D data have made it a staple in gaming as well. The success of FBX in facilitating interactive 3D models inspired my mission to create something similar for industrial design. The goal was to fill a gap and tailor a solution that would benefit designers like myself.
Thus, the concept of the TCO (Template 3D Object or TempCAD Object) format was born. My vision was to develop a proprietary file format that would preserve the intricacies of solid modeling while introducing morph targets. This would provide designers with a versatile new standard for 3D printing templates.
The Need for User-Friendly Design Tools for 3D Printing Enthusiasts and Makers
As 3D printing becomes easier to access, complex design software still poses a challenge for many users. Simple tools are needed to help them.
Many users struggle with complicated software. Easy-to-use tools with simple interfaces, templates, and tutorials can make designing easier and boost creativity.
Accessible tools encourage users to try new things, allowing them to explore and work together, which sparks innovation in 3D printing.
Even though 3D printing is cheaper now, expensive design software can still be a barrier. Affordable tools allow users to spend more on materials rather than software.
User-friendly tools open up 3D printing to hobbyists, teachers, and small business owners, making technology more inclusive and engaging.
These tools also help with learning, offering interactive resources and community feedback that improve design skills and foster success.
In conclusion, simple design tools are essential for 3D printing. By offering easy and affordable software, non-professionals can express their creativity, enhancing their experiences and contributing to a lively maker community.
Transforming Industrial Design
Imagine the obvious use case when a client comes with a certain volume of electronics you, as an industrial designer, need to "wrap." You go through the design process and make a solid model, then produce the first prototype. After the first use of the working model, the client understands he needs to change the battery, for example, or try another PCB revision, basically making the product bigger or smaller. For you, it's a new project now, but he thinks it's just a few clicks; after all, it's parametric design software we all use. And now imagine after you finish with solid modeling, you proceed to TempCAD to make the design a 3D template that can easily change sizes and will be ready for rapid manufacturing every single time with no time-consuming procedure or going through all features in the parametric design tree.
The client may encounter several iterations of size changes, which can significantly reduce costs and time for both parties. Once the final properties are determined, they can be seamlessly implemented into solid software. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also opens up endless possibilities for business and educational applications in TCO format. I am eager to hear your thoughts; feel free to reach out through the contact section or visit our Facebook and YouTube channels to stay updated or follow us on LinkedIn.
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