Rapid Prototyping for direct Manufacture

Student: Francis Tien

Class: GCP 12
Date: 3/4
Background: To use rapid prototyping (RP) as a way to
manufacture end products, replacing the current injection
molding method. Costs, use of materials, quality control, and
suitable applications are covered in the paper.
Method: Internet based conference from November 2000
January 2001
Compare and contrast the difference on how rapid prototyping
and injection molding manufacture products with the same
function. Data and information are gathered from Boeings
Rocketdyne propulsion and power section and NASAs Jet
Propulsion lab.
Results: The cost of RP when compared to the cost of injection
molding is lower when manufacturing products in smaller
quantities because RP can build up more parts in less time.
However, the actual number which the two crosses are much
higher than what is expected.
Conclusion: RP may be a suitable way of manufacturing for small
quantities for now, but it is expected to reach a lower cost per
part in the future as the machines for RP will improve and be
more common in industries.
References:
Hopkinson, N., & Dickens, P. (n.d.). Rapid Prototyping for direct
Manufacture. Loughborough Universitys Institutional Repository.