Rapid Prototyping and manufacturing.docVIP

RAPID PROTOTYPING AND MANUFACTURING Introduction The term “rapid prototyping” (RP) is a relatively new expression for the generation of three-dimensional models manufactured without the need for machining or products designed on a computer aided design system, the first rapid prototyping system was introduced on to the US market in 1988 and gave the engineer the opportunity to produce 3 dimensional objects directly from Computer Aided Design (CAD) date and succeed in the cost-effective production of patterns and moulds with complex surfaces. The principle advantages of using this technology are: 1.High speed at which the solid model is generated. 2.The complexity of the model does not form any limitation to its production. 3.The early use of these models was to assist the designer in determining fitness and form. It also provided the sales team with a 3 dimensional object to show to a prospective customer, this being far better than the traditional orthographic drawing which many people find difficult to interpret. The benefits of RP: 1.Converts 3D CAD images into accurate physical models at a fraction of the cost of traditional methods. 2.Improves design communication and helps eliminate design mistakes. 3.Reduces “time to market” for a new product. 4.Can be used as a powerful marketing tool since the prototype can be seen rather than the drawing. 5.The development of this technology has reached into many of the traditional fields, attracting the interest of artisans whose skill any knowledge has led to 3-D objects being used directly and indirectly as patterns and model for soft tooling. 6.Production of models by machining has a number of limitations. 7.Material removed during forming is difficult to reclaim. 8.Machining in the form of drilling turning milling spark erosion etc., is limited by the shapes it can produce. 9.In the event of design change, conventional tooling such as patterns ,core boxes, dies, jigs etc. ,become expensive to alter ，and in many cas