Future of STEM Education: Build Scale Model Storm Sewer Systems
Future of STEM Education: Build Scale Model Storm Sewer Systems. Standard Detail to help inform our designs.
In a world where understanding the intricate systems of our cities is vital, developing a scale model storm sewer pipe and manhole kit is an innovative and crucial educational tool. Aimed at teachers and individuals between the ages of 10 and 30, this upcoming creation is poised to revolutionize how we learn about storm utilities in urban environments.
Combining the elements of fun and education, this toy is not just a plaything but a hands-on, interactive means to grasp the basics of stormwater management and how these systems operate within our cities. Designed to be watertight, this miniature sewer model will replicate the workings of real storm utilities, showcasing the movement and management of water during heavy rainfall and storms.
Why STEM Education Matters:
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is fundamental for fostering innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It provides a gateway to understanding complex systems and encourages the pursuit of solutions to real-world problems. Integrating STEM concepts into educational tools makes learning engaging and applicable.
The Journey Towards Development:
The creation of this scale model storm sewer and manhole toy is a collaborative effort between educators, engineers, and designers. Our team of technical professionals and registered engineers aims to make the learning experience both informative and enjoyable, allowing students and enthusiasts to comprehend the role and function of storm utilities in urban infrastructure.
The toy's design emphasizes accuracy, ensuring that the mechanisms of stormwater movement within cities are effectively represented. Its watertight construction enables users to simulate and observe the flow of water, replicating scenarios of heavy rainfall and demonstrating how these systems manage excess water to prevent flooding.
Understanding Urban Infrastructure:
It is important to understand the complex networks of storm utilities that cities rely on to channel excess water away from streets and buildings. Teaching the fundamentals of these systems is crucial, especially given the increasing impact of climate change, which has led to more frequent and intense storms.
The scale model storm sewer system provides a tangible and visually stimulating way to comprehend the function of storm utilities. Through hands-on interaction, users can gain insights into the importance of maintaining these systems, highlighting their role in mitigating floods and preserving urban landscapes.
Empowering Future Engineers and Innovators:
By engaging with this educational toy, individuals are exposed to the principles of engineering, hydrology, and urban planning. Encouraging an early interest in these fields can spark curiosity and potentially inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators. It also instills a sense of responsibility toward environmental stewardship and infrastructure maintenance.
The forthcoming scale model storm sewer system represents an exciting leap in educational resources by ALTAY Custom Plastics. Its focus on STEM concepts, particularly engineering and urban infrastructure, aligns with the growing need for innovative teaching tools that prepare the future workforce for the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.
By providing a captivating and informative experience, this toy serves as a gateway to understanding the essential role of storm utilities in cities. It not only educates but also inspires a new generation to tackle the complexities of urban infrastructure and environmental sustainability.
Stay tuned for the release of this educational masterpiece, poised to revolutionize the way we learn about storm utilities and propel STEM education into a new realm of interactive discovery and understanding.
How Photogrammetry Can Enhance Product Development and Research
Photogrammetry is a technique used to capture and combine measurements from photographs. These measurements are used to create detailed 3D models of objects. Photogrammetry has many uses, but one of the most common is in the field of product development and research. In this blog post, we’ll explore how photogrammetry can enhance your own product development and research process. We will explore how photogrammetry can help you streamline your process, reduce time spent on research and documentation, improve collaboration across teams, and even allow you to create new experiences for your customers—all while maintaining optimal security.
What is Photogrammetry?
Photogrammetry is the science of making measurements from photographs. A photogrammetric surveyor uses this method to take measurements from photographs. These measurements are used to create a 3D representation of a real-world subject.
Photogrammetry can be used to do accurate surveying as well as to create 3D models of objects. It is also used in many other fields like architecture, engineering, archaeology, robotics, film, and animation.
The word “photogrammetry” is made up of two Greek words, “photon”, which means light, and “metron”, which means measurement.
Light travels in straight lines. Instead of measuring the distance from a single point to an object and trying to find the intersection of those lines, photogrammetry uses light to form a 2D image of the object.
The photogrammetric process starts with the acquisition of images. Once you have your images, you need to use photogrammetric software to process them. This software will create a 3D model of your object.
Why Use Photogrammetry for Product Development?
As digital marketing continues to evolve, companies are increasingly turning to virtual reality and augmented reality to engage their customers and potential customers. Virtual and augmented reality is rapidly changing how we design and engineer products and will play a large role in the future of product development.
The primary reason for using photogrammetry for product development is that the technology results in high-quality 3D models. These detailed models can be used to create virtual and augmented realities. Combined with other technologies like AI and blockchain, photogrammetry makes it possible to automate many of the manual tasks associated with product development. With more automation, engineers and designers have more time to focus on innovation.
Benefits of Photogrammetry in Product Development and Research
Since photogrammetry relies on pictures as its source data, you can capture your data from a variety of different sources. You can use drones, satellites, robots, or even people with cameras. This flexibility allows you to capture data in any environment or situation. You can even use photogrammetry to recreate the inside of a customer’s home.
Because there is no need to manually record measurements, photogrammetry makes it faster and easier to create virtual or augmented reality. It will also reduce the margin of error significantly.
Create New Customer Experiences
Virtual and augmented realities built with photogrammetry give customers an immersive experience. These experiences are highly precise and accurate. Because these realities are created from pictures, they are also very realistic.
Companies can use photogrammetry to create lifelike customer experiences that are impossible to create with traditional methods like print, packaging, and websites.
For example, you might create a virtual reality for customers who want to try out a new couch before buying one. Or you might create an augmented reality that shows customers how their new car will look inside and outside.
Reduce time spent on documentation and research
With photogrammetry, you don’t have to record measurements manually. This reduces the margin of error and allows designers and engineers to spend less time on documentation. Photogrammetry also makes it easier to create 3D models of real-world objects. This makes it easier to research and design something before it is actually built.
For instance, before designing a new car, engineers use computer-aided design (CAD) software. But this software isn’t accurate enough to create a virtual reality or a lifelike model of the car. Using photogrammetry, engineers can create digital mock-ups of the cars with realistic materials and textures.
Conclusion
Photogrammetry is a powerful technology that can be used in a variety of industries for a variety of different uses. It can be used to create extremely accurate 3D representations of people, buildings, and even objects.
It can also be used to create lifelike virtual and augmented realities. And it can do this without the need for specialized equipment like cameras or other heavy machinery. All you need is a smartphone and the right software.
But that’s not all. Photogrammetry can also be used to create more streamlined product development processes. It can also be used to create new customer experiences and reduce the time spent on research.
Need unique photogrammetry services for your next project? Get an estimate below or check out our shop for pricing.
The Pros and Cons of Different Filament Materials
Great overview of the different 3d printing filaments and how we use them in production.
Filament Pros and Cons
Disclosure: Altay Custom Plastics, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising revenues by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
3D printing is an exciting technology that has revolutionized the way people design and create objects. However, 3D printing is not without its drawbacks. One of the most common issues that people have when printing is choosing the right filament material. There are a variety of filament materials available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of some of the most popular 3D printing filament materials.
PLA
PLA, or Polylactic Acid, is one of the most popular 3D printing filament materials. It is made from natural resources such as corn starch, sugar cane, or tapioca roots, making it an environmentally friendly option. PLA is easy to use and has a low melting point, which makes it ideal for printing at home. Additionally, PLA prints have a smooth finish with minimal warping.
PLA comes in a number of finishes and colors. Precious metals colors are extremely exciting to see printed as well as the full spectrum of the rainbow. Altay’s printers can operate any version of PLA material. It is our highest volume plastic used and as such is the cheapest we offer.
However, PLA is not the best choice for prints that require strength or durability. PLA is also susceptible to heat and humidity, which can cause warping or other defects. Additionally, PLA has a tendency to warp and shrink when cooling.
ABS
ABS, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is another popular 3D printing filament material. ABS is more durable than PLA, making it ideal for prints that require strength and durability. It also has a higher melting point, making it better suited for industrial applications.
However, ABS is more difficult to use than PLA and can produce a strong smell when printing. Additionally, ABS prints can warp more easily than PLA prints.
PETG
PETG, or Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified, is a versatile 3D printing filament material. It is strong and durable, making it a good choice for functional prints. PETG also has a low shrinkage rate, making it more resistant to warping and shrinking.
However, PETG is more expensive than PLA and ABS and is not a easy to use. Additionally, PETG can be brittle and can be difficult to sand or polish.
Nylon
Nylon is a strong and durable 3D printing filament material that is often used for functional prints. Nylon is also resistant to heat, chemicals, and wear and tear, making it ideal for industrial applications.
However, Nylon is one of the most difficult filament materials to use and is not suitable for home use. Additionally, Nylon prints can be brittle and may require special post-processing to achieve the desired surface finish.
Conclusion
Choosing the right filament material is an important part of 3D printing. Each filament material has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on the type of print you are looking to create.
STACYC Bike Makita Battery Adapter
ALTAY Custom Plastics Stacyc Bike Makita Battery Adapter designed and printed for hours of riding and big savings. The story of the idea, design, and production of the adapter for young riders everywhere.
Last spring, a client requested a battery adapter for a STACYC (electric bike) that his 2-year-old son had been learning to ride.
He wasn’t impressed with the price tag on replacement STACYC batteries, and working in the trades had provided him with numerous Makita cordless drill batteries. He wanted us to figure out a way for him to use those Makita batteries on the bike. ALTAY Custom Plastics designed and printed a slip-in Makita battery adapter. Rather than having to buy more STACYC batteries at retail price, he was able to buy the adapter for cheaper and utilize his Makita batteries. It has led to hours of quick charging and riding for his son, and it has been a perfect fit.
As part of the agreement we reached, ALTAY Custom Plastics was able to produce a unit for him and not charge for the design time because of the existing market of riders. ALTAY Custom Plastics developed a path for the adapter to be sold online and is able to charge the same price the original client had paid. We pride ourselves in adding unique value to peoples’ lives at a fair price.
Disclosure: Altay Custom Plastics, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for websites to earn advertising revenues by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
There is no need to mess with wires, cutting, or zip ties. Easy to use slip-in converter for 18V 2.0Ah Makita batteries on 12” or 16” STACYC bikes.
Have an idea for something else?
Send us an email, and our designer will get back to you with an estimate for the project.
Digitization - Using Software to Duplicate Products
Updated: Jan 20, 2023
A client reached out to duplicate a master copy of a model they had. The complex horse saddle was an excellent test case for ALTAY to expand into secondary services for model reproduction. After a brief phone call, quote, and email exchange, the model maker mailed over the master saddle copy. After a couple of hours of tinkering and settling on our method, ALTAY was able to reproduce a 1:1 scale digital model of the saddle. After the digitization was completed, we printed a test and sent a photo of the print for a review.
Saddle Rendering after Digitization.
Saddle Print and Master.
Upon approval, ALTAY printed a duplicates of the saddle various scales so they can test out their new product line and verify its what they were looking for.
After sending back the first prints, we were asked to digitize 2 additional scale models for the client. These went well, with a few of the smaller digitizations that took longer than expected. We are excited to continue to add more products and refine the photogrammetry process to better serve the hobby model community.
In the end it ended up as a cost effective solution for their modeling needs and provided an easy method to manufacture their products at different scales.