07-09-2012, 12:32 PM
DIGITAL RAPID PROTOTYPING FACILITY
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Rapid Prototyping Technology
Prototyping used in product development were traditionally fabricated using simple hand tools and materials such as wood, paper, clay or ceramic etc. Metals and polymers were used more recently with the availability of machine tools. Development of prototypes by traditional means is both labour-intensive and time consuming.
Rapid Prototyping (RP) is a recent technology using computers and computer – controlled equipment to fabricate prototypes automatically and rapidly. In Rapid Prototyping three-dimensional physical objects are fabricated from their computer Aided Design (CAD) models, usually in limited quantities.
RP allows designers to quickly (in hours or days instead of weeks or months) create tangible prototypes of their designs, which are simple or complex. They can be used for communicating design concepts with design team members or customers and for ergonomics or for functional testing.
Classical methods such as milling, turning used to form an object involves removal of material by mechanical means. In Rapid Prototyping materials are added and bonded layer by layer to form an object (additive fabrication)
Several different RP technologies have emerged recently based on the technique used to add materials.