For years, Trust System Corporation has been building accurate 3D models of cities and topographic features by using satellite terrain data, urban buildings data and other 3D data. The company developed its own CAD system and cutting tool to enhance the reproduction of topographic models but realized that there were inefficiencies and workflow challenges in their operations. By adopting an engineering approach to using 3D digital data, Trust System has become an industry leader in creating accurate topographic models.
Trust System has expanded and taken on commissions for 3D maps and 3D postcards for customers in various sectors such as museums, exhibitions, municipalities and government.
Challenges:
“In the 3D topographic modeling industry, when meeting with clients, you often show sample prototypes before building the final product, but creating even simple prototypes requires the work of skilled model builders. We can also build prototypes with our cutting tools, but the machine might be tied up with other projects or the operator may not be available. We found ourselves in a situation where we were unable to easily create 3D topographical models when we needed them fast.” explained Mr. Yukio Mita, Representative Director of Trust System.
In the past, the company used samples of previous topographic models, photographs and sketches in meetings to discuss what the finished model should look like. When the prototypes were made by model makers, it was difficult to respond flexibly to client requests because of the cutting machine’s limitations. It was also challenging to respond to their requests because the cutting machine was incapable of producing prototypes in multiple colors.
Solutions:
The company investigated the benefits of 3D printers because they realized that having physical prototypes was essential when meeting with clients. They took note of the capability of the full-color 3D printer from 3D Systems and realized the machine could apply color to blueprints, which is a laborious and time-consuming process when cutting topographic models.
Trust System decided to invest in the CJP Printer to boost their operations. As a result, the company is now able to present color prototypes to their clients, which has contributed to improved communication. Creating prototypes, which had not been so easy in the past, is now a simple process, and the company has been able to broaden the range of their proposals by minimizing miscommunication with their clients.
Benefits:
By making efficient use of the 3D printer from 3D Systems, they can easily adapt to client requests which could involve changes in prototype scaling, height or stress ratio.
Mr. Mita comments, “3D Systems 3D printers can simultaneously build and print colors at the prototype stage, which has had a huge impact in simplifying their work. Because 3D printing is so similar to 2D inkjet printing, anyone can easily operate the system. One might say that the functionality of a 3D printer could one day replace model makers.”
With improved productivity, the company is now able to respond quickly to new requests. For example, at the time of the Iwate-Miyagi Inland Earthquake, the company created a 3D model using 3D topographic data from aerial photography taken on the day of the earthquake. It took only two days after the earthquake hit to complete the prototype. “Compared to the usual processes, we were able to complete a topographic model of the epicenter of the Iwate-Miyagi Inland Earthquake in about half the time. If the topographic model of the epicenter is not colored, it is difficult to see what areas collapsed under landslides, but because we used the 3D printer from 3D Systems, we were able to create a precisely colored prototype in a short amount of time.”