Proto Labs, Inc.

The Protomold Company, Inc.

Matthew Hartloff

Lawrence J Lukis

Any issues associated with manufacture of a part are identified and highlighted on a part rendering. A software method and system then uses a visual change cue on the part rendering for communicating the manufacturability issues to the customer. The preferred visual change cue is a throbbing of the highlighting of the manufacturability issue, with the throbbing occurring in both color intensity and size. The part rendering depicts the part translucently, so throbbing manufacturability issues can be readily identified even if obscured behind a more-forward face of the part.

Visual change cue for communicating manufacturing issues of a custom part

Any issues associated with manufacture of a part are identified and highlighted on a part model. A software method and system then uses motion of the part model for communicating the manufacturability issues to the customer. The motion can include a repositioning of a part rendering to a preferred orientation position, a fly-around so the customer can appreciate the next zoom location, and then a zooming in on the issue desired to be shown. Alternatively or in conjunction with the zooming and fly-around motion, the orientation of the part rendering showing the manufacturability issues can be three-dimensionally manipulated such as with a click-drag-drop command of the customer's computer mouse. By adding a moveable aspect to the communication, customers can much better understand which changes are recommended or required of the part.

Growing community of inventors

Plymouth, MN, United States of America

Matthew Hartloff