06-09-2016, 12:08 PM
1453219224-rapidmanufacturing.pptx (Size: 11 MB / Downloads: 9)
What is Rapid Manufacturing(RM
Definition:
RM is the application of layer manufacturing techniques for the fabrication of functional long-term models or end use products.
The physical inputs into the RP systems are the materials, CAD model and laser. By using different RP technologies, final net shape metallic parts can be fabricated.
It is a one-step process in which tooling is eliminated thereby reducing production time and cost.
The process is suitable for low volume production of materials difficult to process and for fabrication of complex parts of high aggregate value for the automotive and aerospace industries
RM also offers great potential for mass-customization, for example the fabrication of prostheses and implants for the biomedical industry.
Laser Forming
Laser forming (LF) is a highly flexible rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing process, which uses laser-induced thermal distortion to shape sheet metal parts without hard tooling or external forces.
Types of lasers used in RM
Most of the RP machines for direct metal laser fabrication (DMLF) use CO2 or Nd:YAG lasers in continuous mode.
The laser power is in the range of 50–500 W, but very high powerCO2 lasers up to 18kW are also used.
The main difference between CO2 and Nd:YAG lasers lies in their wavelength. Nd:YAG lasers have a wavelength of 1.06µm and CO2 lasers has a wavelength of 10.6µm.
Types of lasers used in RM
Most of the RP machines for direct metal laser fabrication (DMLF) use CO2 or Nd:YAG lasers in continuous mode.
The laser power is in the range of 50–500 W, but very high powerCO2 lasers up to 18kW are also used.
The main difference between CO2 and Nd:YAG lasers lies in their wavelength. Nd:YAG lasers have a wavelength of 1.06µm and CO2 lasers has a wavelength of 10.6µm.