RAPID PROTOTYPING

Rapid prototyping is a group of techniques used to quickly

fabricate a scale model of a physical part or assembly
using three dimensional computer aided
design(CAD).Construction of the part or asee

CHARACTERSTICS OF RP
A Technology that produces models and prototype parts
from 3D CAD model data, CT and MRI scan data and
model data created from 3D object digitizing system.
RP systems join together liquid, powder and sheet
materials to form parts.
Layer by layer RP machines fabricate
plastic,wood,ceramic and metal objects

BASIC PROCESS OF RP
Basically there are three stages- PRE-PROCESSING
BUILDING
POST PROCESSING
The first part contains the CAD model which is known as Solid model.
The Pre-process contains the building up of support for the model and
slicing process is done.
The RP process is to build the prototype.
The post-process contains removing supports ,clean the surface and
finally the part is completed

COMMON TYPES OF RP
The first rapid prototype system was introduced in 1988
Common types of RP technologies are:
STEREO-LITHOGRAPHY (SL)
FUSED DEPOSITION MODELLING (FDM)
SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING (SLS)
LAMINATED OBJECT MANUFACTURING (LOM)
3D PRINTING (3DP)

STEREO LITHOGRAPHY
PATENTED IN 1986, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY STARTED THE
RAPID PROTOTYPING REVOLUTION. THE TECHNIQUE
BUILDS THREE DIMENSIONAL MODELS FROM LIQUID
PHOTOSENSITIVE POLYMERS THAT SOLIDIFY WHEN
EXPOSED TO ULTRA VIOLET LIGHT.

STEREOLITHOGRAPHY MACHINE

PICTURE OF STATUE USING

STEREOLITHOGRAPHY

STEREO-LITHOGRAPHY APPARATUS
ADVANTAGES AND
DISADVANTAGES
Good dimensional
accuracy
Good surface finish
Narrow range of materials
Relatively high cost
Post curing

APPLICATIONS

Prototypes for concept models;

Form fit for assembly tests and process planning;

Models for investment casting;

Patterns for metal spraying and other soft tooling.

LASER CUTTING
Laser cutting is just one of the number of processes
used to cut metal into desired shapes.Other typical
cutting processes include plasma cutting, flame cutting,
water jet cutting and even metal stamping which
competes on certain levels.

EXAMPLES OF LASER CUTTING

BENEFITS OF LASER CUTTING

There are many benefits to the laser cutting service
providers that directly translate to the process end
users.Some are:
Improved parts production and reduced part distortion
as a result of small heat affected zones;
Greatly reduced tool wear due to the non-contact
cutting process;
Increased saving due to more efficient utilization of
materials;
Improved part appearance since a laser's minimal heat
affected zone eliminates distortion.

3-D PRINTING
3-D Printing is a process used to make threedimensional objects.
In 3-D printing additive processes are used in which
successive layers of materials are laid down under
computer control.
These objects can almost be of any shape or geometry ,
and are produced from a 3-D model.
A 3-D printer is a type of INDUSTRIAL ROBOT

3-D PRINTING

ADVANTAGES AND APPLICATIONS OF

3-D PRINTING
ADVANTAGES:
Less costly;
Less capable variation of RP technology.
APPLICATIONS:
Companies install them in offices near their CAD
systems for concept modelling.

BENEFITS OF USING RP
The advantages of using a prototype are:
Large variety of material will be available.
Production time is less.
No additional support needed.
No post curing required.
Reduced part distortion as a result of small heat
affected zones.
Greatly reduced tool wear due to non-contact cutting
process.

APPLICATIONS OF RP
RAPIDPROTOTYPING IS EXTENSIVELY USED IN:
Excellent visual aids for communicating
Prototypes can be used for design testing
Used to make tooling
Used to make production-quality parts
Used in Visual Representation
Direct manufacture of metal mould
Small batch production run

APPLICATIONS OF RP