Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,106
Likes: 2,761
From: Fredericksburg, Va
Bikes: ? Proteous, '65 Frejus TDF, '73 Bottecchia Giro d'Italia, '83 Colnago Superissimo, '84 Trek 610, '84 Trek 760, '88 Pinarello Veneto, '88 De Rosa Pro, '89 Pinarello Montello, 'Litespeed Catalyst'94 Burley Duet, 97 Specialized RockHopper, 2010 Langster
Think models, not functional parts. My knowledge may need calibration but, the mechanical properties of the "parts" produced are enough to support the model and the handling of it, not the intended use. Over time, this will change as material properties and the process is improved and developed to produce parts for intended use.
It is difficult for some people to visualize a 3D part in their head. Creating a physical model helps overcome the communication challenge. It also helps the designer to check his model in a physical world.