Here’s a strange one. The world surrounding rapid prototyping often focusses on the additive, layer-based processes, SLA, FDM, SLS etc etc. That’s fine. But if there’s one thing these systems are not. its rapid. At an inch an hour, Z corp is probably the fastest.

The thing that often gets missed in the many publications and trade shows surrounding that tag, is that there are much quicker ways to create prototypes and the strange thing is, that they typically are much more cost effective and less complex than their additive counterparts. The perfect example is Roland and its range of Modela products. These are effectively small form factor CNC machines, many capable of cutting some tough materials, from the usual chemical wood, resins and model-board, through all manner of plastics and such and into metals, particularly aluminium and copper (which is super handy for electrode machining). What the smaller machines (the MDX-15 and MDX-20) lack in the ability to cut tougher materials, they do make up for with digitising tools, using an integrated probe. The Larger machines (the MDX-540 range) are more benchtop, rather than desktop, but give you much bigger working envelopes, greater cutting speed and (with some accessories for tool changing and auto-rotating billets) unattended operation.

Roland has just launched a new machine which bridges the gap between the end of their range, the MDX-40A – an iteration of the MDX-40 launched a little while ago. This is based on a much more rigid chassis that the desktop machines, provides you with automation options and gives you the ability to cut tougher materials – but in a much smaller form factor.

It’s got a build envelope of 305 (X) x 305 (Y) mm 123 mm (Z). If you have the new optional rotary axis, it’ll support materials up to 270mm long by 120mm in diameter (10.63” long by 4.72” in diameter) – four times the previous model – and its big enough to mill a 500ml bottle. I’ve met a great number of people in the structural packaging space and they swear by these things, as they can do amazing things with acrylic (Tin Horse spring to mind).

Objet Geometries has just launched the Connex350, the follow up to the Connex 500 that allows you to simultaneously print multiple materials with different mechanical and physical properties.

Based on the same core PolyJet Matrix technology, Connex350 brings greater affordability, with a smaller build tray size (350x350x200mm). For those unaware of it, the Connex machines can replicate a huge range of different materials (read: different Shore hardnesses) in a single build by mixing how Objet’s FullCure materials are jetted to create different composites. The two FullCure model materials are jetted from designated nozzles according to location and model type, providing full control of their structure and mechanical properties.

The combination of rubberlike, flexible material and rigid material allows users to print models for a wide variety of applications, from coating and shock absorbers to living hinges and gaskets – and excels at replicating the feel and tactile response of over moulded or multi-stage injection moulded components – something which is very time consuming and labour intensive to prototype using vacuum casting. The device will be on show next week at Dassault Systemes DEVCON event in Velizey (that’s in France) – I’ll be there briefly, so say hi if you spot me.

On other Objet related notes, the company has recently launched a number of plug-ins for 3D design systems that give you control over your builds directly from within your CAD system. There’s currently three CADMatrix plug-ins available for Inventor, Pro/Engineer and SolidWorks. More details here.

I love the press releases we get through the “door” at DEVELOP3D. Amongst the odd things inviting you to a Porn Exhibition in Munich to the stunning tediousness of someone, somewhere, launching a new stapler (seriously, it wasn’t even a nice one – it didn’t come in green). Then you get things that are just too funny (but equally as impressive).

Today’s jem has come from i4, an Edinburgh-based Product Design house, who have just announced details of a project its been working for ‘Just Like The Real Thing’ (JLTRT), a model railway company owned by none other than Pete Waterman. Yes. THAT Pete Waterman. The man that brought us Musical Youth, Kylie Minogue, Steps and some others.

JLTRT is Waterman’s model railway company based in Irvine, Ayrshire and they appointed i4 Product Design to design a model diesel locomotive, the ‘Class 26’ for the company. The team where tasked with creating a true representation of the Class 26 diesel loco through building a CAD model of the train. The project is due to be complete within the next few weeks. Then, JLTRT will start the manufacturing process at its plant in Irvine ad will launch next year.

As you can see from these pics, it’s an impressive beast. Modelled in SolidWorks but what I found most interest where the comments from Laurie Lynch, managing director for JLTRT who commented on i4’s work on the product “i4 Product Design has really come up trumps on this project. Being a market leader in model trains, we’re all about creating kits that our customers will be delighted with. That’s why we need to work with talented, professional designers who combined with our years of experience, can help create high-end models that our demanding modelers expect from us. We’ve been really impressed with i4’s work – they have an enviable reputation for delivering on time and to budget and work really well with our team. Our aim is to develop a long-term relationship with i4 and create more model trains in the future.”

Finally, I was pondering what music video to post. To be honest, while I admire Waterman’s engineering-related interests and biz acumen, most of music output has been pretty much crap. Then I discovered an interesting fact. For a very brief period, Pete Waterman managed this lot. (who are on tour this year and I’ve just got tickets to see them in wolves). Enjoy the most gratuitous link to a music video ever. But its worth it.

The next issue of DEVELOP3D is out for your enjoyment and we’ve got a wicked issue in store for you this month. Our cover story is about Marin Bikes and how they use Autodesk Inventor to develop their range of cycles. One thing struck us about this story, along with many others we run every month, is the passion behind the products, and the shear bloody enthusiasm people have for their job. As Jason Faircloth, Marin’s product manager and bike designer commented, “Working at Marin turns a hobby into an income producing job.”

Alongside the story, we’ve worked with the folks at Autodesk to give away a pretty sweet little deal. In return for some information and your thoughts on simulation and analysis, we’ll enter you into a competition to win the product on the cover – a pretty sweet Point Reyes Commuter bikes (worth a grand). If you haven’t registered for the magazine or PDF, visit here to reg up and enter. If you’ve already registered, then visit here and all you need do is enter the email address you registered with and enter the competition.*

Elsewhere we take a look at how Senz used SpaceClaim to help design a breakthrough product is a pretty static marketplace. How Hornby designs its Scalectrix cars based on real world data. Of course, no DEVELOP3D would be bunch of reviews for you. We take a look at what’s new in Solid Edge with Synchronous Technology 2.0, Inventor 2010, the new SpacePilot Pro, a bunch of new Graphics hardware from AMD and Nvidia.

I’m also delighted to announce the latest contributor to join the Team, Joe Moak from formlovesfunction.com who’s discussing assembly constraints design and how early decisions can influence manfacturability. Joe will be writing us his thoughts on a bi-monthly basis or more depending on how busy he is designing awesome stuff.

* Those inevitable Terms and conditions: This competition closes on 31st July 2009 and is only open to those over the age of 18. Entry into the competition and acceptance of the prize constitutes permission to use their name inside the magazine. The winners will be selected at random by X3DMedia Ltd. No purchase necessary. Only winners will be contacted personally.