Rapid 3d Prototyping is a method that is used worldwide to manufacture physical models from data that is provided by CAD (Computer Aided Design). The models created by this technique have lots of uses. You can share ideas with the co-workers and customers with these models as a visual aid moreover nothing can be better than these models as far design testing is concerned. These designs can serve a strong base for any perfect future implementation of the model.
Let us talk about the processes that are included in rapid prototyping: The first of five rapid prototyping processes is creation of the model of the design in CAD software. Pro/Engineer is way better than AutoCAD and that is because the former one is able to show 3D objects more finely than the later one. After CAD model creation, comes the step of converting CAD model to STL format. This format converts the design of CAD in form of planar triangles and this technique is known as Stereolithography.
Now, the .stl file is chopped into number of cross-sectional layers that vary from 0.01mm to 0.7mm thickness. From here starts the real manufacturing of the parts. Rapid prototyping machines start doing layer by layer construction of different parts. The material that is used for construction may include paper, plastic or even powdered metal. The RP machines are now automatic and human interference is required very much less now. Last of the rapid prototyping processes include post processing and finishing off. Few methods for improvement of the outlook and reliability of models are sealing, sanding and painting.
Rapid 3d prototyping is used worldwide in the following fields:
1. Medical
2. Aerospace/Avionics
3. Automobiles/Automotives
This prototyping technique is appreciated and used by engineers widely because it creates the 3d models which are much easy to understand as compared to 2d models. Accuracy and the fineness of the model that is achieved by rapid 3d prototyping can never be achieved by any 2d metal model.
Rapid prototyping techniques are getting better day by day. One such example is the development of enhanced size capacity RP machines. These high capacity machines are able to eradicate the problem of building larger parts of models in separate sections. This will save lot of time and efforts as well! Many other such developments are going on to make the prototyping field as easy and wonderful as possible!
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