RAPID PROTOTYPING

Rapid Prototyping (RP) can

be defined as a group of
techniques used to quickly
fabricate a scale model of a
part or assembly using
three-dimensional computer
aided design (CAD) data.
 HISTORY
• Developed by 3D Systems of
Valencia, CA, USA. The
company was founded in 1986,
and since then, a number of
different RP techniques have
become available.
• And were used to produce
models and prototype parts.
Today, they are used for a
much wider range of
applications and are even used
to manufacture production-
quality parts in relatively small
numbers. Some sculptors use
the technology to produce
 The Basic Process

• Although several rapid prototyping techniques

exist, all employ the same basic five-step
process. The steps are:
1.Create a CAD model of the design

2. Convert the CAD model to STL format

3. Slice the STL file into thin cross-sectional layers

4. Construct the model one layer atop another

5. Clean and finish the model


 The reasons of
Rapid Prototyping
are ;
• To increase effective
communication.
• To decrease development time.
• To decrease costly mistakes.
• To minimize sustaining
engineering changes.
• To extend product lifetime by
adding necessary features and
eliminating redundant features
early in the design.
FLOW of RP
 Applications of Rapid
Prototyping
• Rapid prototyping is widely used
in the automotive, aerospace,
medical, and consumer products
industries.
 Notes
• http://www.me.psu.edu/lamancusa/me41
• http://itri.loyola.edu/rp/02_02.htm
• http://pathfinder.com/fortune/1998/9801
• http://www.asel.udel.edu/rapid/helmet
•