Roland R-World Online | Fall 2007

AVS and Freeform Digital Team Up To Provide 3D Prototyping Tools To Singapore Students

Singapore – The past couple of years have been especially exciting for Roland 3D Solutions as they have been successfully implemented into the educational system on the island of Singapore.

While not the first time that 3D machines were bought by the schools to enable students to learn technical skills, there was never a complete CAD/CAM solution and the machines were therefore seldom used.

Understanding the needs and requirements, Singapore-based Roland Distributor AVS Technologies Pte., Ltd. collaborated with Freeform Digital, a 3D CAD specialist and Roland reseller, to work toward a total CAD/CAM solution for the schools.

Freeform Digital began by studying the needs of the schools’ technical departments. During the various stages of the studies, Freeform Digital conducted several Roland MDX machine demonstrations which generated a lot of feedback from the schools. Finally, after months of engagement, they were able to implement a total 3D CAD/CAM solution for the schools.

Components of the solutions included IronCAD 3D design software for the CAD portion and Roland MDX-20 machines with the ability to both mill and scan. Software and hardware shared a common strength of providing a short learning curve while producing excellent output at a very affordable cost.

Roland CAM/CAM implementations have fostered very good feedback from the schools due in part to the ease of use of the Roland MODELA CAM software which has made outputting 3D parts and prototypes simple for both the staff and students. Compared to the previous method of hand work, the automated system provides students with much more time for design and production.

Since the installation of these digital prints, the museum has attracted a much higher volume of visitors – many visiting the museum for the first time and attracted by the impressive new design.

Within a short period of 18 months, Freeform Digital has successfully implemented Roland CAD/CAM solutions to 20 secondary schools. The success of the Roland solution resulted in the Singapore Ministry of Education awarding AVS and Freeform a contract to implement additional CAD/CAM machines over several competitors.

Roland 3D solutions are now being adopted by other higher educational programs, including technical institutions, polytechnics and universities. These institutions realize the capability a Subtractive Rapid Prototyping (SRP) device can offer by milling a wide variety of materials whereas an RP machine is very limited. Additional benefits of the program include the large number of SRP prototype models that have been produced by students as well as their cost effectiveness.

AVS and Freeform Digital continue to partner with educational institutions to improve all areas of education using Roland 3D solutions. Some of the learning materials for the MDX-20 and MDX-40 SRP systems can be viewed at www.rolanddg.com.