Imaginestics: Research and Development

Problem / Purpose

Current TDPs contain raster drawings that are almost unreadable and not easily interpretable, leading to:

Low numbers of supplier bids
High rates of supplier calls to help get clarification on drawing information
Delays during post-award and revised quotes because something on TDP was misinterpreted
Additional time and cost to produce actual part when suppliers re-create drawing in 3D CAD
Misinterpretation of drawings leading to annual scrap and re-work cost per supplier of $26,583 (per DLA)

Solution

2D to 3D software application that converts raster design drawings to 3D models by extracting the relevant text and dimensional information; segmenting the pertinent drawing views; extracting shape from drawing views; converting the raster drawing information to vector; and generating 3D model

Customers / Stakeholders

Defense Logistics Agency
Oklahoma City ALC
National Center for Manufacturing Sciences

Benefits / Milestones

Promotes supplier responses to RFQ – DLA Survey noted that 47% of suppliers more likely to respond if TDP contains 3D model
Aids suppliers in utilizing the benefits of an automated production process and improves part quality by decreasing NC coding errors
Reduces procurement cost by 27% if TDP with 3D model is provided, according to DLA survey

Research & Development

Modernizing Tech Data Packages (TDPs)