The term 3D printing refers to some techniques used in manufacturing field to realize,
through a layer-by-layer constructive method, accurate physical prototypes from 3D computer-generated models.
Various technologies exist and several kinds of materials are used in this field.
When we talk about 3D printingwe usually mean low-cost technology used mainly to produce aesthetical models, while functional prototypes are realized by Rapid Prototyping machines.
A 3D printer needs suitable 3D models to produce real objects. Such models are tipically obtained by computer aided design software or by 3D scanning systems i.e. reverse
engineering processes. We follow a third way, starting directly by the equation or parametrization of the surfaces.
Dini surface, for instance, has the following parametrization:
x = a*cos(u)sin(v)
y = a*sin(u)sin(v)
z = a*(cos(v)+log(tan(v/2)) + b*u
With scientific software we can visualize the shape of the surface on screen,
but such kind of output is not good yet to be used with a 3D printer.
We need a 3D solid model of our surface, and we can get this by using differential geometry
to generate parallel and normal patches to the original surface and to get, finally, a watertight mesh that represents our solid.
By means of two 3D printers (white and full color) we realize plaster models of surfaces which are effective, very beautiful and of affordable price.
Moreover, you can print your own model by sending us your file