Introduction to Rapid Prototyping
The term rapid prototyping (RP) refers to a class of technologies that are used to produce physical objects layer-by-layer directly from computer-aided design (CAD) data. These techniques allow designers to produce tangible prototypes of their designs quickly, rather than just two-dimensional pictures.
Besides visual aids for communicating ideas with coworkers or customers, these prototypes can be used to test various aspects of their design, such as wind tunnel tests and dimensional checks. In addition to the production of prototypes, Rapid prototype services San Francisco CA can also be used to produce molds or mold inserts (rapid tooling) and even fully functional end-use parts (rapid manufacturing).
Because these are non prototyping applications, rapid prototyping is often referred to as solid free-form fabrication or layered manufacturing. For small series and complex parts, these techniques are often the best manufacturing processes available.
They are not a solution to every part fabrication problem. After all, CNC technology and injection molding are economical, widely understood, available, and offer wide material selection.
In rapid prototyping, the term “rapid” is relative; it aims at the automated step from CAD data to machine, rather than at the speed of the techniques. Depending on the dimensions of the object, production times can be as long as a few days, especially with complex parts or when long cooling times are required.
This may seem slow, but it is still much faster than the time required by traditional production techniques, such as machining. This relatively fast production allows analyzing parts in a very early stage of designing, which decreases the resulting design cost.
The costs can also be reduced because Rapid prototype services San Francisco CA are fully automated. and therefore, need the skill of individual craftsmen for no more than finishing the part.
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