Backflip AI, a new Startup founded by ex-Markforged founders, unveiled a new 3D AI foundation model that transforms 3D scan to STL conversion. This model fundamentally accelerates how manufacturing plants are repaired and improved to prevent costly downtime.
The new technology enables anyone to automatically create 3D models of replacement parts from 3D scan data, which can then be quickly manufactured via conventional means like CNC machining or 3D printing.
AI Model for 3D Scan to STL Conversion
Backflip AI has introduced two solutions powered by their foundation model: a SOLIDWORKS plug-in and a web application. The SOLIDWORKS integration allows users to convert 3D scan data directly into fully-featured parts in the native file format of this widely-used CAD platform.
For those without access to SOLIDWORKS, the company’s web app provides similar functionality, transforming 3D scans into parametric CAD files. Both tools simplify what was previously a complex and time-consuming process, reducing it to an operation that takes mere seconds rather than hours.
The acceleration of the 3D scan to STL workflow represents a major advance for manufacturing maintenance teams. When production equipment fails, maintenance personnel traditionally need to manually measure broken parts, design replacement CAD models, manufacture the components, and then install them. Backflip’s technology eliminates much of the manual work in the initial design phase.
Industrial manufacturers lose over $50 billion annually due to unexpected downtime. In automotive manufacturing specifically, production line stoppages can cost up to $3 million per hour in lost output. By streamlining the transition from physical part to digital model, Backflip’s technology can potentially cut downtime by up to 50%.
– According to research cited by Backflip AI
Lowering Barriers to 3D Design
Beyond emergency maintenance applications, the 3D scan to STL conversion tools address several persistent challenges in manufacturing. Many production systems lack available CAD models, either because they were built by third-party integrators who don’t share digital files, or because they predate the adoption of digital design tools.
The SOLIDWORKS plug-in offers educational benefits as well, showing users each step in the process of building a part’s geometry and generating a native feature history. This approach helps new CAD users understand how parts are designed, potentially accelerating the learning curve for 3D design.
Backflip’s foundation model was trained on the company’s synthetic data set of over 100 million unique 3D geometries, which they describe as the world’s largest collection of its kind. This extensive training enables the AI to accurately interpret various part geometries and create workable digital models.
The new tools promise to expand access to 3D design capabilities across manufacturing organisations. By automating the 3D scan to STL conversion process, Backflip enables a wider range of personnel to participate in part reproduction without requiring extensive CAD training or experience.
Both the SOLIDWORKS plug-in and web application will be generally available soon, with the company currently accepting sign-ups from interested users looking to streamline their transition from physical parts to digital models.
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