Rapid Network

Rapid prototyping is a technique used to develop a physical structure of a product using Computer-aided design software. It creates a solid structured model of a product rather than a two-dimensional layout. These prototypes have various uses. They are used a visual representation of the product for marketing and communication purposes. They are also used for diagnostic and testing purposes and for rapid manufacturing and tooling.

Rapid prototyping has some basic process to employ. First is to create a computer-aided design model of the product. Next is to convert the CAD model design to stereolithography format. Then, the stereolithography format will be then sliced to create a cross-sectional model. The constructed layer will be then place on the top of another. Lastly, the finish model will then be clean.

There are at least six techniques for rapid prototyping. And there various prototyping apparatus involve for these techniques. Some of which are, Stereolithography, Laminated Object Manufacturing, Selective Laser Sintering, Fused Deposition Modeling, Solid Ground Curing and 3D Ink-Jet Printing.

Stereolithography is the first rapid prototyping techniques. It uses liquid polymers that is photosensitive which solidifies when put to ultraviolet light. This method is considered the benchmark of all the RP techniques. The machine was developed by 3D Systems in 1988. The downside of the early stereolithography is that, the prototype of this early method produces prototype that is quite brittle and prone to deformation.

Laminated Object Manufacturing was created by Helisys where in materials of adhesive sheets which is layered are attached together to create a prototype. Laminated paper that is glued and put up on the spool is the first substance used by this method.

Selective Laser Sintering was a method created by Carl Deckard as thesis project for his Master's degree. The technique utilizes powdered substance like powdered metal, elastomer and nylon then fused up to create a solid object.

Fused Deposition Modeling uses extruded thermoplastic filaments that is heated upon from the tip which moves upon the x and y plane.

Solid Ground Curing was created by Cubital. This method is quite alike to stereolithography where in this two techniques utilize ultraviolet light to harden polymers which is photosensitive. The two techniques varies on the way the laser hardens the material, where in the solid ground curing solidifies the whole layer of the material at a time.

The 3D ink-jet printing uses the 3D ink-jet printer machine to perform the technique.