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– A special class of machine technology that quickly produces models and prototype parts
from 3-D data using an additive approach to form the physical models.
– Rapid prototyping (RP) is a relatively new class of technology used for building physical
models and prototype parts from 3D CAD data. Unlike CNC machines tools, which are
subtractive in nature, RP systems join together liquid, powder and sheet materials to form
complex parts. Layer by layer, RP machines fabricate plastic, wood, ceramic, and metal
objects based on thin horizontal cross sections taken from a computer model.
WHY USE RP?
Rapid prototyping quickly delivers a better design communication tool, the physical prototype
quickly and clearly communicates all aspects of a design.
Rapid prototyping facilitates the early detection and correction of design flaws.
In its simplest form, the benefit of rapid prototyping is confidence in the integrity of the design.
Growth of RP in Last 10 Years
10 Years ago
– Eleven companies manufactured and sold RP machines. Four were from the U.S., four from Japan, and one each
from Germany and Israel.
– RP system manufacturers in total sold 157 machines worldwide. Sales of RP products and services were an
estimated $99.3 million.
– Worldwide, about 80 companies operated as RP service providers.
– Thirty-eight universities, government laboratories and corporations around the globe had researched or developed
some aspect of RP technology.
Today
– Last year, 28 companies manufactured and sold RP machines. Eleven were from the U.S.; seven from Japan; four
from Germany; three from China; and one each from Singapore, Sweden, and Israel.
– In 2003, sales are expected to exceed 1,400 units. Sales for 2003 were forecast at $590 million.
– At the end of 2001, an estimated 397 service providers were in place.
– Through the end of last year, a conservative estimate of more than 500 organizations worldwide had developed
some facet of RP equipment, software, or materials technology.
– A $1,000 prototype in 1993 now sells for as little as $150 to $250.
STEREOLITHOGRAPHY (SLA)
Stereolithography is the most widely used
rapid prototyping technology.
Stereolithography builds plastic parts a layer at
a time by tracing a laser beam on the surface of
a vat of liquid photopolymer. The
photopolymer material quickly solidifies
wherever the laser beam strikes the surface of
the liquid.
Once one layer is completely traced, it's
lowered a small distance into the vat and a
second layer is traced right on top of the first.
The self-adhesive property of the material
causes the layers to bond to one another and
eventually form a complete, three-dimensional
object after many such layers are formed.
STEREOLITHOGRAPHY (SLA)
Some objects have overhangs or undercuts
which must be supported during the fabrication
process by support structures.
Supports are either manually or automatically
designed and fabricated right along with the
object. Upon completion of the fabrication
process, the object is elevated from the vat and
the supports are cut off.
Stereolithography generally is considered to
provide the greatest accuracy and best surface
finish of any rapid prototyping technology.
Over the years, a wide range of materials with
properties mimicking those of several
engineering thermoplastics have been
developed. Ceramic materials are currently
being developed.
The technology is also notable for the large
object sizes that are possible.
STEREOLITHOGRAPHY (SLA)
On the negative side, working with liquid Manufacturers of SLA Equipment
materials can be messy.
3D Systems
Parts often require a post-curing Light Sculpting
operation in a separate oven-like Sony Precision Technology America
apparatus for complete cure and stability. Teijin Seiki , Japan
Supports must be removed from part. D-MEC, Japan
Denken Engineering
Unirapid, Japan
Meiko, Japan
Autostrade Limited, Japan
Objet Geometries, Israel
Envision Technologies GmbH, Germany
microTEC, Germany
F&S Stereolithographietechnik GmbH,
Germany
STEREOLITHOGRAPHY (SLA)
SLA Materials
– Photopolymers are imaging compositions
based on polymers/oligomers/monomers
which can be selectively polymerized
and/or crosslinked upon imagewise
exposure by light radiation such as ultra-
violet light.
FUSED DEPOSITION MODELING (FDM)
Strengths pric e
po s t pro c e s s ing, s ize and we ight, s ize and we ight, s pe e d s pe e d, limite d mate rials , part s tability,
me s s y liquids
fragile parts , s ys te m pric e , limite d mate rials , fragile parts , s mo ke
limite d mate ria ls , s urfac e finis h part s ize finis h finis h a nd ac c urac y
Weaknesses part s ize
Toxicology Studies
Doug Greenwood of Product Development Service
(Durham, NC) has used DSM Somos' (New Castle,
DE) WaterClear material to model a human nasal
passage for CIIT Centers for Health Research. The
transparency of the cured photopolymer permits
visualization of air and particulate flow for improved
understanding of chemical interaction with the nasal
membrane. Both companies believe that the complexity
of this internal passage makes it nearly impossible to
physically model using any method other than RP.
EXAMPLES
Miniature Parts
RP processes are producing very small parts, some as tiny as a red blood cell. The University of Southern California is
using a process it calls electrochemical fabrication that electro-deposits nickel layer-by-layer using a masking technique.
With this method, it is possible to produce working mechanisms that measure 100 microns (0.004 inch) in height.
World's Smallest Robot
Using stereolithography, Sandia National Laboratories (Albuquerque, NM) has built what it believes is the world's
smallest untethered robot. The mobile unit weighs less than one ounce and measures 0.25 cubic inch.
Hearing Aids
Many of the major manufacturers of hearing aids are in the early stages of using RP to mass customize their products in
impressive volumes. Some of these companies produce more than 1,000 in-the-ear hearing aids per day, each being
unique in its shape and size. A silicone rubber impression of the ear canal is digitized with an optical scanner, which leads
to an STL file and RP for the rapid production of the hearing aid shell.
Burn Masks
RP is being using to produce custom-fit masks that reduce scarring on burn victims. The process begins by digitizing the
patient using non-contact optical scanning. The scan data is used to produce an RP model of a mask that fits perfectly to
the patient's face.
EXAMPLES
RP for the Production of Finished Manufactured Parts
An increasing number of companies have demonstrated RP's ability to produce finished goods. These
progressive companies have laid the groundwork for others to follow. Additional examples include:
Technikon Free State (Bloemfontein, South Africa) using laser sintering to manufacture a monitoring device
for fitness centers; and a user of Stratasys' (Eden Prairie, MN) FDM Titan producing a polycarbonate
replacement pulley for an industrial belt sander.
Growing Demand in the Medical Industry
Many medical applications demand some level of personal customization, and RP has demonstrated the
ability to address this need. Andy Christensen of Medical Modeling LLC (Golden, CO) says the demand for
RP models in the medical industry has doubled during the past two to three years. Align Technology (Santa
Clara, CA) has developed more than one million RP models, using its stereolithography machines to produce
its Invisalign invisible plastic aligners for straightening adult teeth. Separately, Interpore Cross International
(Irvine, CA), a medical device company, is using seven ModelMaker machines from Solidscape (Merrimack,
NH) to manufacture spinal implants.
Micro Parts
With computers and hand-held electronic devices shrinking, the appetite for small parts grows. RP's style of
building parts in layers, coupled with lasers, makes it possible to produce very small parts and assemblies that
are highly complex. The number of activities in this area suggests that a trend is developing for the production
of miniature parts through RP for wide ranging applications and products such as actuators and sensors.
Obstacles Yet to Overcome for RP
9. Unthinkable applications emerge. The vast array of potential applications is exciting. Organizations
will rely on methods of RP for sculpture, architecture, mold flow analysis, molecular modeling and a
wide array of other interesting and unusual uses. Breakthrough applications have already emerged. RP
has been used in forensics to solve murder mysteries; it is a critical component in creating "invisible"
braces for orthodontics; and it has helped those in dire medical situations.
10. RP translates to Rapid Production. Perhaps solid freeform fabrication is a better term to describe
the class of technology that we today refer to as RP. Indeed, rapid prototyping is the single largest
application of this technology, but it can extend well beyond prototyping. In six years, companies will
routinely use methods of RP for the production of manufactured parts. Investigations are already under
way for the appropriate use of RP to manufacture relatively small parts in volumes of hundreds and
even thousands. Mass customization - should it ever be realized - will most likely rely on some form of
the technology that we know today as rapid prototyping.
Rapid Prototyping & Tooling Service Providers
Accelerated Technologies, Inc. (ATI) Visual models, functional prototypes, and tooling capabilities; 16
SLS and SLA machines.
AeroMet Laser additive manufacturing of titanium alloy structures.
Aerosport CNC milling, stereolithography, RTV molding, vacuum forming, fiberglass and composites,
custom finishing, 3D modeling, industrial design, and mechanical engineering.
Aristo Cast Producer of investment castings, including low volume prototypes and high volume production
quantities.
Arptech Uses Genisys Xs to produce physical models from CAD data; located in Australia.
ARRK Product Development Rapid prototyping, CAD/CAM, CNC, machining, fabricated prototypes,
vacupressure molding, and complete product finishing.
Applied Rapid Technologies Corp 3D design services, stereolithography, vacuum cast urethane parts,
and rapid "bridge" tooling for injection molded plastics.
Automated 3D Modeling Rapid production of accurate models from CAD systems suitable for prototypes
and rapid tooling; owns and operates Rapid ToolMaker from Sanders Design International.
Bastech CAD, engineering, SLA, SLS, plastic and metal reproductions, prototype tooling, and short-run
injection molding.
Bertrandt German company with a wide range of services for the complete development of an
automobile.
Rapid Prototyping & Tooling Service Providers
CAM-LEM Uses a special lamination process to manufacture components, prototype molds, and tooling in
metal or ceramic directly from a 3D CAD file.
C.ideas FDM services.
Clinkenbeard & Associates Rapid prototyping, tooling, CNC, castings.
Conceptual Reality SLA, FDM, SLS, composite, kirksite, silicone rubber, zinc/aluminum plaster casting,
spray metal, sand casting, injection molding, cast urethane, and investment casting.
Design Prototyping Technologies SLA, SLS, urethane and rapid metal castings, composite tooling.
Eagle Design & Technology Assist industry in the design/build process from, prototype to production.
Ekco Plastics SLA, FDM, LOM, design services, rapid tooling, mold design, moldmaking, plastics molding,
and seminars.
Engineering & Manufacturing Services (EMS) 3D printed parts from Z Corp's color machine.
Experimental Factory Research, testing, demonstration, and service center in Magdeburg, Germany.
Express Pattern Stereolithography parts, foundry patterns, and QuickCast investment casting patterns for a
variety of foundries and manufacturers.
FineLine Prototyping High-resolution small-spot stereolithography for the medical device and electrical
connector industries.
Fusion Engineering Rapid tooling and 3D prototyping for the plastic injection molding and die casting
industries.
Harvest Technologies Concept and functional models, investment and sand casting patterns, and patterns
for soft tooling; SLS, CNC.
Rapid Prototyping & Tooling Service Providers
Hoerdler Rapid Engineering German company offering laser sintering, stereolithography, aluminum-filled
epoxy tooling, vacuum casting, and CNC machining.
INCS A leading CAD and RP service and sales company in Japan.
Javelin Architectural models, medical and anatomical prototypes, high-end CAD verification, sculpted art
pieces, and invention concepts.
Laser Innovations Third-party service and support of Coherent Ion laser systems and solid state laser system
integration.
Laser Reproductions Rapid product development; SLA.
M2 Systems Custom jewelry and product development services using CAD, an RP machine from Solidscape
and CNC machining.
Metalcast Engineering Plastic injection molding, stereolithography, machined models, and metal casting
prototypes.
Morris Technologies Prototyping, metal casting, and low volume manufacturing; SLA, LOM.
National RP Support Hardware and software support on all models of the SLA and peripherals.
Paramount Industries Industrial design and mechanical and manufacturing engineering, complimented by
product development and manufacturing services.
PERIDOT Engineering service bureau that provides product and tool design and development.
PML Virtual prototyping, tooling, digitizing, reverse engineering, and inspection; LOM, FDM, CNC.
ProtoCast Create aluminum, zinc, and magnesium prototype castings without the expense of hard tooling
Protosys Technologies Private Limited CAD/CAM, RP, RTV silicone rubber tooling, and epoxy tooling in India.
Rapid Prototyping & Tooling Service Providers
Prototech Engineering Silicone rubber molding, spray metal tooling, and prototype metal castings; SLA, LOM.
Proto Technologies Urethane casting; SLA, CNC.
Quickparts.com Instant online quotes, RP, cast urethane parts, injection molded parts, die cast and sheet metal
parts, and CNC machined prototypes.
Rapid Prototyping Center First company in Finland to provide RP services.
Rapid Solutions Silicone rubber tooling and epoxy tooling; SLA.
Rapid Tooling Technologies Rapid tooling inserts using the 3D Keltool process.
3Dimensional Engineering Engineering services, SLA, Actua, and rapid tooling.
3D-CAM Design, SLA, SLS, RTV tooling, CNC machined tooling, aluminum epoxy tooling, Zap tooling, urethane
casting, injection molding, QuickCast, and sand casting.
Shared Replicators SLA and FDM (with ABS, polycarbonate, and polyphenylsulfone).
Solid Concepts Silicone rubber tooling, TrueCast epoxy tooling, and aluminum tooling; SLA, CNC.
Soligen Technologies Offers a process called Direct Shell Production Casting (DSPC) for metal castings.
Specific Surface Advanced computer controlled technology called CeraPrint based on MIT's 3D printing;
manufactures advanced filters and substrates for industrial and diesel exhaust applications.
The Rapid Solution Design services, RP, RT, mold design, CAE, moldmaking, plastics molding, and seminars.
The Technology House Project management, product design and development, engineering, and rapid
prototyping.
Xpress3D Instant on-line quoting for Z Corp. models and prototype parts.
REFERENCES
http://www.atirapid.com/tech/te_rpservices.html
http://www.wohlersassociates.com/
http://www.zcorp.com/
http://www.nait.org/jit/Articles/steir120800.pdf
http://home.att.net/~castleisland/fdm_int.htm
Rapid Prototyping Directory Comprehensive directory
Worldwide Guide to Rapid Prototyping Listings for about 500 service bureaus,
as well as other RP reference information.
www.photopolymer.com/
http://ltk.hut.fi/~koukka/RP/rptree.html#SL
Bradley’s LOM System
Helisys (1991 - 2000)
A staple at the early rapid prototyping shows, Helisys consistently drew large, interested
crowds to its LOM technology. Through the years, Helisys had placed more than 375 systems
into service. Yet, in November 2000, the company folded. Helisys' challenges came from two
different directions - technological and marketing.
Like Cubital and BPM, Helisys had some reliability and maintenance issues in the earlier
years. Although they worked to overcome the problems and did so successfully, the reputation
stuck. You can still hear people state, "Wasn't that the company who's machines caught fire?"
In the small world of rapid prototyping, reputations are quickly created and difficult to shed.
The business mistake that Helisys failed to see was that they did not heed the tenet to find a
niche and conquer it. The LOM process was best suited for thick walled applications, like
patterns for sand or investment casting. But, the market was demanding functional prototypes
and prototypes for injection molded products. Helisys was quick to proclaim "me too."
Trying to be everything to everyone caused Helisys to lose its focus on the company's core
competency. It also caused them to sell systems into unsuitable environments. This, in turn,
created dissatisfied customers - another reputation that was hard to shed.
In the later years, Helisys regrouped and retrenched to return to the application that had
created earlier success. But it was too late.