<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[idcmodels / About / News]]></title><description><![CDATA[Articles]]></description><link>http://www.idcmodels.com/about/news/</link><copyright><![CDATA[Copyright idcmodels / About / News]]></copyright><generator>sNews CMS</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Instant iPads from IDC Models ]]></title><description><![CDATA[      At IDC Models we understand the importance of fast, accurate and deliverable products and services, which is why we pride ourselves on our fantastic SLA service. We also understand that it’s great to receive a little more than what you bargained for, which is why until the 30th September 2010, IDC Models is offering an iPad or an iPod touch to all customers who place an order for SLA parts. For terms and conditions go   here.       
Our Viper SLA system lets you choose between standard resolution mode, for the best balance of build speed and part resolution, and high resolution mode for ultra-detailed small parts and features.    
Our SLA services include:    
SLA stereolithography 3D Printing   
Uses lasers to build high precision parts   
From CAD to finished model in a matter of hours   
Resin similar in properties to polycarbonate   
Other finishing / spraying / assembly services also offered   
Tight deadlines  
    
It is fast and simple to receive accurate quotes, use our   instant SLA quote system   now hassle free and non-obligatory.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 21 Jul 2010 10:43:46 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.idcmodels.com/about/news/idc-news/instant-ipads-from-idc-models-/</link><guid>http://www.idcmodels.com/about/news/idc-news/instant-ipads-from-idc-models-/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[IDC Models Uses Special Moulding Solution to Test Mobiles]]></title><description><![CDATA[    
  IDC Models was tasked by IndexSar to find a solution to a difficult moulding issue.  Indexsar required a model of a human hand which would incorporate carbon black to absorb the radio waves emitted by mobile phones during performance testing, but this presented several problems.  

  Vince O’Horo, director of IDC Models, explains, “Carbon black is a difficult substance to work with. The ratio of carbon to polymer needed to be exactly right in order to distribute the carbon evenly throughout the phantom hand. Often the black carbon powder becomes very thick when mixed making it difficult to manipulate and creating air pockets within the mould. We had to work quickly and accurately, employing a moulding technique customised for the job in hand.”  

  Rapid prototyping was a core part of perfecting the production process in-house at IDC Models.  Polyurethene elastomer was used to allow the ‘phantom’ fingers to flex and curve around a mobile phone for testing, regardless of its shape or size.  Engineers and model-makers worked together to devise a specialist moulding technique which cancelled out the issues raised by the materials and system design itself.  After producing numerous prototypes, the model-making team found that a moulding system which encompassed half pressure casting and half vacuum-casting was most efficient and effective.    

  O’Horo continues, “Working with such thick materials can be a real challenge when moulding , but by having all the rapid prototyping techniques available to us we were able to rapidly develop a custom injection process.  Having an in-house SLA machine (Stereolithography) to produce durable master 3-D parts from which to make the moulds also reduced lead times.  By perfecting the process, we have also cancelled out the possibility of wasted imperfect models, allowing the client to supply demand quickly and effectively.”  

  IDC Models has produced over 20 phantom hand models for Indexsar in a variety of sizes to meet the demands of the mobile phone design. Each model has been produced using the customised technique.]]></description><pubDate>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:18:41 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.idcmodels.com/about/news/idc-news/idc-models-uses-special-moulding-solution-to-test-mobiles/</link><guid>http://www.idcmodels.com/about/news/idc-news/idc-models-uses-special-moulding-solution-to-test-mobiles/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[New Biker Helmet Design Speeds Ahead in Safety]]></title><description><![CDATA[  
  With over 80% of fatal motorcycle accidents due to head trauma, rotational head injury is currently seen as the greatest cause of brain damage or death for motorcyclists involved in road accidents.  

  The new helmet, aptly named SuperSkin®, tackles this directly using a special new technology that mimics nature’s own simple design – skull and skin. Vastly superior in design compared to standard helmets, stringent tests show that the SuperSkin® product design reduces rotational impact by an unprecedented 50% and the subsequent possibility of brain damage by 67.5%*.  
  
Managing director of IDC, Stephen Knowles, explains, “Traditionally, motorcycle helmets have been rigid in design. We needed to introduce a dynamic element of movement to dramatically reduce the rotational impact which often causes life-threatening injuries. On impact, the outer membrane is able to stretch and slide over the main helmet shell to prevent these dangerous rotational forces being transmitted to the head and brain.  
  Without breaking from the standard helmet shell, we developed a product design that was optimised for manufacture and rigorous international testing*.  The end result has provided a first for the motorcycle industry and a great leap forward in safety.”    

  The product development process brought together IDC’s engineers, model makers and designers to develop a skin-like membrane that would slide on the surface of the helmet without breaking on impact. CAD software provided a quick means to transforming the concept into a series of tangible designs.  But central to the intensive research and development process was rapid prototyping.  Precision CNC machining paved the way for multiple impact absorbing liners for the helmet to be scuplted from a polystyrene block with optimum absorbence performance, allowing the team to test each design change along the way. The membrane was also tested in the same way.  

  The revolutionary product design required careful selection of materials. A strong synthetic sits on top of the gel-like lubricant to form a protective layer across the surface of the helmet. State-of -the-art vacuum casting was used to create prototypes and the materials tested for resistance and strength.  The chosen synthetic stretched up to eight times its original length.   

  IDC is currently working with Dr. Phillips to develop other applications of the technology and an equestrian version is currently under test.   
  Brought to market by major helmet manufacturer Lazer Helmets SA the Superskin® will hit the shelves this summer. It is available in Lazer’s stylish full-face Solano (£200) or open-face Rider (£150) range.   ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:16:55 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.idcmodels.com/about/news/idc-news/new-biker-helmet-design-speeds-ahead-in-safety/</link><guid>http://www.idcmodels.com/about/news/idc-news/new-biker-helmet-design-speeds-ahead-in-safety/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[IDC Models Injects New Moulding Service]]></title><description><![CDATA[  The new injection moulding service will provide a much-needed midway option for many and complements IDC Models' current stereolithography rapid prototyping and vacuum casting capabilities.     Traditionally, injection moulding has been associated with high volume manufacture due to the time and costs involved in making the moulds and setting up for a job.  In addition to its rapid tooling techniques, IDC Models is keen to offer the benefits of its small, flexible injection moulding machine as standard to all companies regardless of quantity.  
  Vince O’Horo, director of IDC Models, explains the move, “This is a remarkably cost-effective option for customers who need higher volumes than vacuum casting or need to use an exact grade of plastic. For low or medium volume manufacture in particular (200 to 5000 parts), the costs of a production injection moulding tool is uneconomic and the delays are often several months.  By using in-house rapid tooling methods it becomes a possibility for everyone, whether a company needs just one model or thousands.  We can speed up the process, reduce cost and choose a tailored production method best suited to the customer’s needs.”  
  The in-house injection moulding capability has additional benefits too.  Where SLA prototypes and vacuum castings have limitations in the materials that can be used, injection moulding fills the gap allowing products in the medical or food sectors, for example, to be tested realistically before manufacturing the final product. Numerous materials can be incorporated into the injection moulding process following rapid prototyping, including metal and resin.   
  Rapid prototyping and model making expert Vince O’Horo continued, “This is also particularly helpful for companies creating specialist products who need to just test part of a product but don’t require multiple prototypes. The injection moulding tool can make that happen swiftly and without breaking the bank.”   ]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:26:36 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.idcmodels.com/about/news/idc-news/idc-models-injects-new-moulding-service/</link><guid>http://www.idcmodels.com/about/news/idc-news/idc-models-injects-new-moulding-service/</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[IDC Designs Awards for UK Tour Series]]></title><description><![CDATA[  
  Tasked by the organisers of The Tour of Britain and The Tour Series, SweetSpot Group Ltd., IDC's model making specialists and product designers have collaborated to develop a unique trophy design. IDC is very familiar with the detailed product development process involved in creating an award. The company recently worked with New Pro Foundries on the high profile film and television award, BAFTA.  

  Vincent O'Horo, Director of IDC Models, explains, “The Tour Series is a fantastic set of ten events which sees a return to competitive cycling in Britain's towns and cities. As a new Series, we needed to produce an award that would be instantly recognizable and in line with the brand itself so that it would become iconic in the cycling world.”  


  The product design incorporated the brand's flagman and shield motif, curved surfaces and aluminium stands inspired by the design of cycle fittings and accessories. Translating this into a 3D form required the evolution of the logo to accommodate production techniques.   
  
  The project drew on several in-house disciplines, from design and engineering to rapid prototyping techniques, CNC, specialist model making and short run manufacture.  The product designer's Viper SLA (stereolithography) machine speeded up the process by producing same-day prototypes. CAD files were converted into high quality, solid resin parts in a matter of hours, which allowed the product development team to test a variety of patterns, exploring surface textures for a greater degree of definition and style.    
  
The trophies were produced in three different sizes and cast in phosphor bronze by New Pro Foundries for increased durability and classic design. All the teams will be competing for the trophy named after cycling industry legend and Tour Series sponsor, Bob Chicken MBE - The Bob Chicken Trophy.  The large trophy will be kept by the Tour Series in a glass case, whilst six medium trophies are given out to the overall winning team at the end of the series and 60 small trophies for the winning team of each race. With the capacity for batch production, IDC made all 67 awards in-house.   
  The ten round Tour Series which began in Milton Keynes on 21st May 2009 and ends on Thursday 25th June in Southend-on-Sea, is also being televised by ITV. The event is aimed at teams of cyclists rather than individuals, with five riders in each team. Exeter, Woking, Peterborough, Blackpool , Southport, Stoke-on-Trent, Colchester, Chester and Southend-on-Sea will all play host to the competition which promises to bring a carnival-like atmosphere to the heart of each town and city.    ]]></description><pubDate>Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:28:22 +0000</pubDate><link>http://www.idcmodels.com/about/news/modelmaking/idc-designs-awards-for-uk-tour-series/</link><guid>http://www.idcmodels.com/about/news/modelmaking/idc-designs-awards-for-uk-tour-series/</guid></item></channel></rss>