The number of challenges facing today’s manufacturers from different industries is as large as existing alternatives to address them. It is difficult to understand them, not to mention the comparison of economic and other indicators of the appropriateness of applying.

Suggested methods for rapid prototyping and replication differ according to the type of consumables and methods of exposure to such a material.

All the technologies of rapid prototyping are usually referred to the methods based on the addition of material (in contrast to the classical mechanical treatment). The technologies are adopted to classify according to the type of consumables (liquid, powder and solid sheet).

The processes that use liquid consumables are subdivided, in turn, in the curing processes through contact with the laser, solidification of electro charged liquids or pre-hardening molten material.

The processes that use powdered materials carry a bond of particles through the laser or the selective application of binder components. Processes that use as consumables solid sheet can be classified by the method of their connection – a laser, or a layer of adhesive.

Let us examine in more detail two technologies.

Helisys (LOM). It is one of the cheapest technologies RP. It is especially effective for the manufacture of solid-state components and parts with a wall thickness of 3 mm. It is used mainly to assess the style, constructive solutions. In appearance the prototypes produced by this technology are similar to wood ones. In physical characteristics – wood are superior and used in metallurgical production for tooling (casting into the ground, casting investment casting). Also the prototypes obtained by this technology are used as master models for replication in silicone forms of technology MCP / HEK. The surface can be painted and brought to the simulation of plastic or plastic. The prototypes are water-resistant and environmentally safe.

Brief description of the technology: The detail is cultivated by successive layer-gluing of special thermal paper. At each layer the corresponding cross section is cut by laser. After completion of construction the embracing excess material is removed. Device LOM 1015 allow receive details of dimensions to 381-254-355 mm, positioning accuracy of laser + / -0.25 mm. Prototypes with large dimensions are made in installments with subsequent assembly. It is guaranteed the compliance with the collected details of the design documentation.

Technology Stratasys (FDM). The technology of aimed melting allows getting prototypes and designs of ABS – plastic and melting wax. This technology is the most effective for getting thin-walled parts. The range of applications – are exhibition samples, prototypes and designs to verify the collection, design and style. They are also used for getting master models for replication in silicone forms. The models made of high-melting wax are used in metallurgy for investment casting.

Brief description of the technology: Consumables in the filamentous form is fed into an injection head, where it is heated to the melting temperature and extruded through a nozzle. Head moves along the contour of the current cross-section details, and squeezed material, congealing, forms a part layer by layer. Device FDM 2000 can receive details of up to 245-245-245 mm. Positioning accuracy of the injection head is + / – 0, 25 mm.

Over the recent decades rapid prototyping services managed with solving lots of tech problems occurring when trying to present a product, design or model. Have you ever faced such a problem too? Then you are welcomed to go to this rapid prototyping methodology site.

And remember that we live in the world of high technologies. Keep in mind that current online technologies offer you a unique chance to try and to find anything you might need. Use them to search for cheap rapid prototyping. Should you want to keep track of the latest publications on the topic subscribe to the RSS feed on this blog.