A dexel-based virtual prototyping system for product development

Abstract

This paper proposes a dexel-based visual prototyping system, which builds a virtual prototype with dexels or rectangular strips of solid. The approach resembles the physical fabrication process of most powder-based rapid prototyping (RP) systems. It simulates an RP process to create a virtual prototype. Colour virtual prototypes may also be fabricated relatively easily. Thus, the designer can perform design validation and accuracy analysis easily in a virtual environment as if using a physical prototype. In addition to numeric quantification of the RP process, the system provides vivid visualisations of the prototype for studying its characteristics. Furthermore, the prototype may be superimposed on the product model, and the areas with dimensional errors beyond design limits may be clearly highlighted for subsequent improvement. The designer may thus analyse and compare the surface texture point-by-point of the prototype with the product design.