Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Technology Of Rapid Prototyping

By Lance Lope


Rapid prototyping in the UK is a system where physical objects are made through a computerized process that makes use of a technique known as additive layer construction. It is a process that has been in existence for long, though with the use of conventional prototyping as well as model making methods. Overtime, it has evolved through technological advancement into what it is today. RT is a short form of referring to this technology.

Rapid prototyping is a result of CAD/CAM meeting printing technologies. The resulting 3D hybrid process is a design dream. The equipment can build a model layer-by-layer directly from a drawing with remarkable accuracy and speed. Rather than being cut down to shape, the model is built up in this way to any required shape no matter how complex it might be.

The modern times, several formats of RT are being practiced and used in objects construction. They include selective laser sintering, and stereo-lithography. Others are fused deposition modeling, as well as numerous types of three dimensional methods for printing.

It is widely used in United Kingdom as this country leads in many technological concepts. It is an essential part of the process of system designing and is believed to be beneficial as it addresses concerns of cost and risk of the project. This process includes laser sintering, laminated object manufacturing, dimensional printing and many other means by joining layers of material to create more fine prototypes.

There are basically three different types of technology, based on either a liquid, solid or powder input. Each technology has advantages and disadvantages which would need to be weighed, but all work well within limits.

Rapid prototyping in the UK can be used for numerous requirements. It has replaced manual systems in most production processes. There are absolutely no limitations to the mechanism and the design features of an object under this process.

The technology is used to speed up the processes for which it is used. For instance, it takes several hours to create jewelry pieces going by the old manual systems. However, with RT the procedure is easier and much faster. RT is also used for scaling architectural forms, and also in three dimensional examinations of unborn children.

The impact of these technologies is such that no designer can afford to ignore them. They offer the possibility of producing top-quality, thoroughly-tested end products at a reasonable cost and in very quick time. Thanks to a simplified development life cycle. Competitors are sure to embrace the benefits wholeheartedly.

With rapid prototyping , mistakes can be corrected at the early design stages if all the different departments that are concerned with a product are allowed to examine it. During this early construction stage, the products are not expensive. Hence making the required modifications will not add a lot to the total cost of production. By the time the product is completed, it will still be possible to allocate a reasonable selling price to it.




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