Running Head: 3D Printing The Development Of The 3D System
Running Head 3d Printingthe Development Of The 3d System Will Make U
The development of the 3D system will make use of the waterfall methodology (Hiekata et al., 2016). The sole aim of the system is to solve a problem realized by architects and other technicians involved in the building and construction industry. The engineers noted that after all their presentations, their clients were still left with numerous questions. During presentations, architects use technical drawings to explain the design of the building under construction. However, individuals without prior technical knowledge about these drawings often struggle to understand the details. This communication gap makes it difficult for technicians to explain costs and other project details effectively to their clients.
The project applies the waterfall methodology because of its straightforward, sequential approach, which is suitable for systems with well-defined requirements. In this model, tasks or phases are completed one after the other, mirroring a waterfall’s flow from the highest to the lowest pool of water. This approach ensures clarity and structure in development, especially suitable given the project’s small scope and established requirements (Hiekata et al., 2016).
The hardware specifications are critical to ensure optimal system performance. The minimum requirements include a dual-core 1.8 GHz CPU, 1GB RAM, Windows 7 operating system, a 512MB video card, and 500MB free disk space. Recommended specifications improve performance: a 2.66GHz dual-core processor, 2GB RAM, a 1GB video card, and 1GB free disk space. These specifications will support the system’s ability to process complex 3D models efficiently, preventing lag and system crashes.
A functional baseline defines the system’s core functionalities, including its interfaces and operational characteristics. It establishes what should be achieved to meet stakeholder expectations and guides development efforts. System and software specifications outline the hardware and software demands, ensuring compatibility and efficacy. These requirements act as an agreement between clients and developers, serving as a blueprint that minimizes redesigns and expedites deployment (Mahadevan et al., 2015).
Developing precise system needs involves several considerations: system functionality, external interfaces, software attributes, design constraints, installation instructions, and stakeholder requirements. Functionality pertains to the system’s ability to print accurate 3D models of buildings, which will enhance presentation clarity for clients unfamiliar with technical drawings. External interfaces include hardware like 3D printers, and software interaction pathways are identified to facilitate user interaction and hardware connectivity.
Software attributes such as maintainability, portability, security, and update procedures are also crucial. For example, the system should support seamless updates to incorporate new features or security patches without significant downtime. Installation drawings and instructions are prepared to aid system setup, while stakeholder needs guide the system’s overall requirements, ensuring it accommodates user expectations and project goals.
Subsystem requirements are delineated based on resource availability and hardware capabilities. For example, the processor must meet minimum standards—Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 64—with an ideal configuration being an Intel Core 2 or higher for better performance. Operating systems should be Windows 7 or newer, with 64-bit systems preferred due to their capacity to handle larger datasets and more complex computations (Mahadevan et al., 2015).
Graphics processing is addressed by requiring a minimum resolution of 1028x768 and support for legacy depth bias, ensuring high-quality visual output. RAM capacity is also significant, with a minimum of 4GB for 32-bit systems and 8GB or more for 64-bit systems to facilitate smooth rendering and storage of large 3D files. Hard drive space should be at least 500GB, with larger capacities advantageous for storing extensive project files and analysis data.
The preliminary design phase serves as an initial step where user needs are identified through meetings and research. This phase involves analyzing existing solutions and assessing their applicability to the project’s objectives (Schubert et al., 2014). The design team collaborates with stakeholders to create an overarching system layout, balancing technical constraints with user requirements.
The architecture compares the waterfall method with other methodologies, such as Agile, emphasizing the structured flow of phases in the former. The waterfall model facilitates clear documentation, well-defined stages, and controlled progress, making it suitable for projects with stable requirements (Hiekata et al., 2016). However, its rigidity poses challenges when requirements evolve unexpectedly or when project scope extends over a long period.
The implementation phase involves coding, debugging, and testing the 3D software based on the approved designs. Once developed, the software undergoes verification and validation to ensure compliance with specified requirements. Users participate in testing to verify system functionality and usability, providing feedback before the final release. Effective maintenance strategies follow to address software issues and incorporate improvements, ensuring system longevity and performance (Mahadevan et al., 2015).
The system evaluation stage assesses the developed system’s conformance to initial requirements and its suitability for end-user needs. Verification confirms that the system meets design specifications, while validation ensures it effectively solves the identified problem—enhancing project presentations via 3D models understandable by non-technical clients.
Stakeholders include programmers, system designers, clients from the construction industry, and consultants who provide technical expertise. Customers’ input guides feature prioritization, while programmers translate requirements into working software. System designers create models and workflows, and consultants offer guidance on technical standards and feasibility. User testing is integral to verifying the system’s readiness for deployment.
In conclusion, developing a 3D printing system for architectural visualizations via the waterfall methodology offers a structured approach that emphasizes clear documentation, phased implementation, and rigorous testing. The hardware and software specifications ensure system reliability and performance, directly impacting the quality of visual presentations and client understanding in the construction industry. This project exemplifies how traditional project management methodologies can be effectively applied to innovative technological solutions that address specific industry challenges.
References
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