From our mailbag ...

BACK

Head mounted displays - an alternative to rapid prototyping?

Ed,

I am trying to identify industry experts that might be able to share some insight/feedback regarding advanced displays. Currently, I am working with a small business to evaluate their new head mounted display (HMD) technology.

One of the areas where we think there could be some potential for this advanced head-mounted display is in visualizing prototypes (i.e., virtual prototypes). Have you come across this kind of concept in your exposure to rapid prototyping? Might this offer an interesting alternative to users versus fabricating a rapid prototype? I would be very interested to hear your thoughts on this possibility -- if you think there is someone else I might be better off speaking to, please let me know.

If you are able to comment on head mounted displays, I have a few general questions (specifications/user needs, cost, trends, etc.):

* What are key "drivers" with regard to advanced displays? (e.g., cost, weight, performance)

* Can you recommend any potential development partners or customers?

* Is there a key cost point for utilization of this device? (e.g., no more than $75k)

Regards,

PL:
From the moment of its inception, HMD's and related virtual display technologies have been considered potential alternatives to rapid prototyping. However, it's not easy to answer the question of how much such technologies may rob from RP to become viable markets in themselves without considerable additional study. I am not aware that anyone in the RP world has studied this in any detailed way, because the thrust of development is in a couple of directions that move the field away from such application areas.

RP is quickly moving down in price with capable systems now available for less than $25K, (and even much less if you buy a used machine). Thus, small engineering groups can now afford to pop out parts that are in many cases functional enough for extensive testing. Also, CNC subtractive technologies have come down in price and gone up in ease of use over the last few years, further widening the available choices to such customers.

The other major thrust is in using additive technologies to produce final useable parts at low to medium volumes, without tooling. This area will become more important as mat'ls and technologies improve and as the capabilities filter out to a wider audience.

Another thing to consider is that, even if virtual displays take a significant fraction of RP equipment sales, this would still be relatively small market. If the question is, "Would replacing RP be a display market driver?," I think the answer is no. More likely, RP would tag along for the ride as the technology is developed for larger markets.

To summarize: On the one hand 3D displays have to meet a quickly receding price point to be used as a replacement for conceptual modeling, and they can't be used in functional testing applications. On the other hand, they can't be used to make functional manufactured parts. Thus, it's not likely display technology of any kind will replace much of the near-term anticipated applications of RP technology.

This is not to say that there are no significant opportunities here, but to find them will require study and customer contact.

Best regards,
Ed

Ed Grenda
Castle Island Co.
The Worldwide Guide to Rapid Prototyping