What does DeskProto offer?

DeskProto is meant for any company that needs in-house facilities for Rapid Prototyping. RP means converting a 3D CAD model of a design into a physical model (prototype). This can be achieved either by stacking many thin layers (Additive RP) or by removing chips from a block (Subtractive RP). Stereolithography machines and other layer oriented systems are far too expensive, however a small NC milling machine combined with DeskProto is affordable: offering Desktop Prototyping.<p/>

Main application areas are Concept Modelling (using physical models during the concept stage of the design process) and the creation of styling block models for presentation purposes. In some cases even manufacturing is possible: for instance wax models for jewelry (investment casting). The advantages of in-house RP are clear: you no longer have to wait a number of days, your prototype is ready within hours! The design process will clearly be accelerated.

In fact, DeskProto is a 3D CAM program that is aimed at RP. Main difference with other 3D CAM software is that DeskProto is aimed at designers instead of at CAM specialists. Do note that two versions of DeskProto are available: Full and Lite, the latter offering a subset of DeskProto's functionality.

How does it work?

The starting point for DeskProto is a STL file. This file type is standard for all types of Rapid Prototyping, and contains a geometry-description in the form of small triangles connected at their edges to form a surface. Any current 3D CAD-system is able to write this type of file. Also DXF files containing "3D Faces" (like from 3D Studio Max) and VRML files can be processed. It is not possible to create new geometry in DeskProto (it is not CAD software, it is about Rapid Prototyping).

DeskProto reads the STL file and displays its contents. At this point it is possible to scale the geometry, translate, rotate etc. After entering some milling parameters (type of cutting tool, required accuracy, etc) DeskProto will automatically calculate the milling paths. No danger for damaging the model as the paths are gouge-free ! In addition DeskProto can also import 2D DXF files, for 2D Operations. Here DeskProto can only do simple 2D jobs in addition to it's 3D functionality.

Run the toolpath program on the desktop NC milling machine in your own office, and you will have your prototype ready within a few hours!

Download the free demo of DeskProto.