SLA Prototype Process and SLS Prototyping and 3DP Process
Friday, October 31st, 2008Rapid Prototyping is a process by which a working model or prototype is developed to test the various design ideas, features, concepts, use, functionality and performance. You can get feedback almost immeditally from the end user and give this to the manufacturer. The technology of rapid prototyping is quite revolutionary and innovative and has found widespread applications in nearly all types of industries. The prototypes can be developed on the basis of past design and its performance and necessary modifications can be made to refine the final product as per the requirements. Invention Prototype has manifold advantages like reduction of process cost, time and risks, conceptualizing of the actual product, delivery of high quality product, better communications and so on.
As it is with all the technologies, there are some disadvantages as well associated with rapid prototyping like communication gaps, high expectations of the users which are not fulfilled and so on. When you really take a look at it, the benefits very much so over ride the disadvantages. There are a host of different rapid prototyping technologies.
Rapid Prototyping Technologies: The numerous rapid prototyping technologies may include the various types like additive, formative or subtractive. Initially, rapid prototyping technologies involved only additive processes. They way at which layers are build for creating parts is really waht sets up the differences between the various additive technologies. Some rapid prototyping technologies melt or soften materials for producing the Layers (FDM, SLS), whereas other technologies lay down liquid material called thermosets and these are later cured by different methods.
