Rapid Prototyping Machine
Rapid prototyping is the automatic and quick-turn construction of physical objects. This type of prototyping has been developed as an outgrowth of liquid photopolymer research. Early rapid prototyping (RP) used machines called SLA's (Stereo Lithography Apparatus). More recently, another approach called FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) makes use of a heated nozzle to extrude plastic onto the work piece. Fused Deposition Modeling led to the use of a wider range of materials including polycarbonates, ABS and other plastics. Fused plastic is deposited layer by layer according to the 3D model. Numerous shapes are possible with a rapid prototyping machine.
A rapid prototyping machine takes virtual designs from computer aided design (CAD) software, transforms them into cross sections and later creates each cross-section in sequence, one after the next until the model is completely finished. It is a WYSIWYG (“what you see is what you get”) process where the virtual model and the physical model align. The rapid prototyping machine reads data from a CAD drawing and lays down successive layers of liquid or powdered material, creating the model from a series of cross sections. These layers, derived from the CAD model, are fused together automatically to create the final shape. The primary advantage to additive construction is its ability to create almost any geometry and patterns.
www.eMachineShop.com advises designers to observe an important design constraint in rapid prototype design - since the FDM extrusion is generally .010" wide, it is best to keep dimensions in multiples of this value - especially smaller dimensions (including material, air, diameters, etc.).
With the advent of rapid prototyping machines it is now possible for eMachineShop CAD software to output directly to a rapid prototyping machine. Importantly, eMachineShop keeps the run costs low since rapid prototyping does not require tooling; short production runs can be made at lower cost and faster turnaround. This approach also provides higher confidence when committing to conventional tooling. Rapid prototyping helps engineers, designers and end users check designs for usability, appearance and manufacturability. Rapid prototype machines help to speed up the new product design cycle.
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