Rapid Prototyping
 

Advanced Prototyping
Rapid prototyping (RP) is a technology that can automatically construct physical models from Computer Aided Design (CAD) files. This technology allows engineers to create prototypes of their ideas and designs in a fraction of the time that it has took in the past. These prototypes are much better at conveying idea to manufacturers and customers. Whether its an automobile engineer or medical equipment specialist; rapid prototyping has its place in today’s design and manufacturing.
 

Other RP Resources
Rapid prototyping is also used in making tooling (Rapid Tooling) and production parts called (Rapid Manufacturing). Small production runs and unique parts are often only achievable with Rapid Prototyping. Rapid Prototyping has reduced project turn-around times to a fraction of past methods. As the old adage says “Time is Money” by cutting these times by as much as 90% its easy to see why this process has gain so much attention in the last few years.

Rapid Prototyping Techniques
Rapid Prototyping – Basic Overview
All Rapid Prototyping technologies start with the same process steps. The following steps are only a basic overview the process steps. For more details of each process select the prospective techniques!
 
  1. Create a Computer Aided Design (CAD) model file
  2. Convert the CAD software file to Stereolithography (STL) file
  3. Slice the STL file into cross sections
  4. Construction of design model
  5. Finish model
Computer Aided Design (CAD) Model: CAD models can be built with many different software suites! Compare software suites by viewing the following “make the following link” Computer Aided Design (CAD)
CAD software file conversion to STL: Each CAD software package uses its own file type and structure. With Stereolithography being the first rapid prototyping technique used the STL file format has become the universal standard in making prototypes.
Third step to the process is processing the STL file into the slices depends on the Rapid Prototyping technique.
Fourth is the actual construction of the physical part. RP build parts one layer at a time from materials such as polymer plastics.
Final step; remove part from machine and clean any burrs or blemishes from part.
 
 
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