stereolithography

Stereolithography Services - Widely Used Rapid Prototyping Technology

By Jon T Smith

 

What is Stereolithography?
Stereolithography has many names and few of them are 3D layering, 3D printing, solid free-form fabrication, photo-solidification and solid imaging. It is the most common and extensively used form of rapid manufacturing and rapid prototyping. Stereolithography fabricates 3D parts and allows creating solid 3D objects from CAD models with high precision and excellent surface finish within few hours (time depends upon size and complexity). Machines used for Stereolithography are known as Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA).

Advantages and Disadvantages:
Stereolithography provides a quick and simple means to convert CAD models into real objects. This is very useful where time is money. The constraint as mentioned above is that the time to produce three dimensional parts depends upon the size and complexity of the object. The accuracy is very good having tolerance within .004"/inch. The problem again is that SLA devices or machines are too expensive. Photo-curable resin used in Stereolithography can cost as high as $800 per gallon. Then the process involved in SLA produces fumes due to which it requires a well ventilated environment

Best Part of Rapid Prototyping:
Since 1986, the year of its invention, SLA has taken large steps equally in its machine design and resources used for it. SLA is real rapid modeling and is fast switching from rapid prototyping to rapid manufacturing. It can be an exceptionally convenient and valuable process in many conditions and for many industries. It has been used effectively to aid surgeons with ear implants and can be used in almost every industry from jewellery manufacturing to military, power, marine etc. This makes it the best part of rapid prototyping.

rapid prototyping software

Rapid Prototyping Software - Why Should Hardware Have All the Fun?

By Ivan Irons



What is rapid prototyping software?
The activity of rapid prototyping software is an important part of software development. It is important to create prototypes of the software to test the software's workings. These prototypes are actually incomplete versions of the software program that is underway in development.

How does rapid prototyping software work?
The main features of the software being prototyped are first looked at. In rapid prototyping software, the prototype being developed does not perform the entire functional spectrum of the software, but only simulates some of the aspects or features. The actual and eventual program may be very different from these simulations of it when it is actually implemented.

Why rapid prototyping software?
Conventionally, the purpose of rapid prototyping software is to let users of the eventual software an evaluation of the design proposals given by the developer. Users are allowed to actually try out the simulations so that they do not have to make an evaluation decision based solely on descriptions of the program and can actually get a sense of it before making a judgment.

Many a times, there are requirements that developers have not thought about that users might actually find useful. rapid prototyping software allows users to bring this to the notice of the developers and therefore betters the commercial relationship between the client and solution providers.

Benefits of rapid prototyping software
1. The designer and implementer of the software get to obtain feedback directly from the users who would be using the final product. Therefore, he can customize it to be a success right from its inception and increase its probability of becoming a hit.
2. Clients can actually do a match of the software specifications they have provided with the software being developed and therefore any changes that need to make can be done then itself.
3. The software engineer is given an opportunity to check on the accuracy of the initial project and whether planned deadlines and milestones can be achieved in time.
4. Since the 1970s, the techniques used in rapid prototyping software have been refined time after time to make them work with the efficiency that they do now.

Historically speaking
The process was present way back in the1960s itself. As can be assumed, the development cycle of an entire software program and its building was quite monolithic. Working out mismatches between the decided design, specifications and the finished implementable program would cause much waste of time, effort and money. This approach, also coined "Slaying the (software) Dragon" approach, puts all the pressure on the software designer who also then becomes the developer and he has to manage the entire "dragon" slaying by himself.

As time went by, easier methods to avoid these inconsistencies were found and therefore, saving cost, time and effort became possible. The finished software met not only the clients' specifications but was able to modify itself to users' benefit.

rapid prototyping tooling

Rapid Tooling System - Technologies and Industrial Applications

By Jon T Smith

The term Rapid Tooling (RT) is used to describe a process which either uses a Rapid Prototyping (RP) technique as a medium to create a mold quickly or uses the Rapid Prototyping process directly to fabricate a tool for a limited volume of prototypes. RT takes less tooling time and cost than a conventional tool. It can be used to make multiple parts out of alternative materials. The rapid tooling processes include the following:

• Composite Injection
• Kirksite Injection
• Silicone Vacuum Cast
• Zinc and Aluminum Plaster Cast
• Spray Metal Injection
• Sand Cast
•  

Rapid tooling is becoming a new model for the industry. It's used as prototype tooling and used mainly for low-volume production. Depending on the part design and the choice of the material being injected, there can be numerous parts developed through this technique. The rapid prototype tooling services creates precise molds faster and with high-speed milling capabilities.

The RT machines can run up to 42,000 RPMs and can have a tolerance of .0002". It is the most accurate method of any rapid prototyping equipment used for rapid tooling. RT is not about the process but it is all about fast results that can be achieved and success is gained by employing a leading-edge technology. It is the combination of tools, methods, processes and people that makes the solution rapid. Rapid tooling is the result of an additive process driven by 3D (Dimensional) CAD (Computer Aided Designs and requires little or no machining. The use of "rapid tooling" in work area attracts the attention of buyers and consequences are direct increase in sales.

rapid prototyping machine

Rapid Prototyping Machines

By Ivan Irons



Rapid prototyping machines are definitely considered high technology machining. The process that is required and that a rapid prototyping machine does is absolutely amazing. Computer generated and laid out, then sent to the machine to develop by constructing layers upon layers of materials until a final product is developed is definitely amazing.

So, how does all of this work? To begin with, you have to develop some kind of graphic, model, etc by using a computer program such as CAD (computer aided drafting). In this program you will design your "idea" and then the program will take cross sections, little by little, until the "idea" has been deconstructed. The program will then send the information to the machine, where the machine reconstructs the "idea" layer by layer until a final prototype is formed. Yes, this all is definitely confusing, but actually simple if you put it into layman's terms.

In layman's terms, imagine that you have an item (any item will work) and you have a 3D image of this on a computer program. You then use the program and show all of the cross sections of the image (lines going everywhere) and then each section is removed beginning at the top, going all the way down until nothing is left. The program then shoots the information over to the rapid prototyping machine where it begins to build the item back up, layer by layer.

The rapid prototyping machine uses materials such as liquid, powder or a sheet material and then lays this material down, layer by layer, cross section by cross section, all the way back up, until there is an actual model of the item that you had on your machine. You have literally taken an image on your computer screen and through technology you have now created the actual item itself, even though it may not be construction out of the right material. Basically, it is just a model of the item.

"Rapid" may not be the case. Depending upon what item you are creating, it can actually take several hours to several days to complete. Whatever the case maybe, this is just absolutely amazing technology.

Rapid prototyping machines are now being studied for the next new technology, and that is rapid manufacturing. Can you imagine what rapid manufacturing could create? Where will technology such as this take us next?

Rapid prototyping machines do cost a very pretty "penny", so to speak. But this type of technology does not come cheap and the possibilities of what can be created from it are unthinkable.

There are several manufacturers who offer rapid prototyping machines. To learn more about these amazing machines and the technology that is involved, contact one of the manufacturers. They can help to explain what this process really does consist of and can possibly even give you a demonstration of the machine. If this is something that you are very interested in adding to your shop then do contact a manufacturer and learn how you too, can take advantage of this technology.

rapid prototyping services

How to Find the Right Service Provider For Rapid Prototyping

By Jon T Smith

The service providers of Rapid Prototyping work towards providing part quality, quick deliveries and personalized services. They provide part building or manufacturing services in the area of design and manufacturing. An efficient service provider is one who does the job correctly done at the right time at the very first time. Over the years the service providers have changed their working style by providing services to their clients in an atmosphere which offers less cost and easy to operate methodology.

The market of Rapid Manufacturing is gaining popularity widely and so is the market of the service providers. The service providers are increasing in number and so is the competition to win their clients by providing hassle free and effective services in the minimum time required. The service providers can be searched for on the basis of the services offered by them and selecting from the available options.

The qualities one can look for in a service provider are those which speed up the process of manufacturing of parts or prototypes of the clients. Then they should offer various designing and engineering services along with CAD/CAM to develop the various components and products. The development of products includes the use of better material which does not lead to the change in the properties after creation of the part. The best quality and precision is provided to the customers or clients with in no time duration. The selection of the right service providers can certainly give an edge to the customers in their business.

rapid prototyping

Prototype Advantages and Rapid Prototyping Benefits

By Ryan Rounds

Rapid prototyping is a process of software development wherein physical objects are automatically constructed by means of SFF or solid freeform fabrication. In the process of rapid prototyping, a prototype or working model can be constructed quickly, and tested for its functionality, performance and output. The new features or ideas can be illustrated well in the prototype and early user feedback can be gathered with regards to the product. There are numerous advantages of rapid prototyping.

Benefits of Rapid Prototyping: Significant advantages of rapid prototyping include reduction of project cost and risk. Generally, one or more prototypes are developed in the process of software development in a series of incremental and iterative steps. Every prototype that is manufactured is based on the previous designs' performance and it is a corrective process through which the past design defects or problems are corrected. The product is readied for production when the prototype is refined as per requirements and meets all the design goals like manufacturability, robustness and functionality.

Another great advantage of rapid prototyping is that it finds use and application in almost all the industries. The other advantages of rapid prototyping include the following.

Visualization capabilities are enhanced in the early designing phase with use of rapid prototyping. The user gets a fair idea of how the final product will look by observing the working model in early design stage.

The design flaws can be detected before manufacture process is initiated.
Rapid prototyping enables producer and users to participate actively. Active participation between the users and producer is encouraged.

The user is able to get a higher output.
The development costs are reduced considerably, hence rapid prototyping proves to be quite cost effective.

Rapid prototyping increases the speed of system development.
With rapid prototyping, it is possible to detect deficiencies in the earlier prototype, coding activities and requirement analysis.

Rapid prototyping assists in refining the potential risks that are involved in the delivery
The different aspects of the prototype can be tried and tested and immediate feedback is possible form user.

Better communication is enabled between the users and designer as there is clear expression of requirements and expectations in the start itself.

Rapid prototyping enables easy delivery of high quality product.

Cost and Time Savings: Savings of development time and process costs are some of the greatest advantages of rapid prototyping. Time can be saved by reducing the amount of time required to produce the prototype parts and tooling. Production costs are lowered as the mistakes regarding tooling are identified in the early stages and hence, the modification costs can be cut down in the actual production.

Advantage of Innovation: Rapid prototyping can be used in many innovative ways. There are many firms that use rapid prototyping innovatively, hence, offering additional benefits. The advantages of rapid prototyping in innovative applications are advancement of new testing procedures and analysis, production tooling manufacture, improved communications across production departments and support of customized manufacturing. The new technologies can be used in a cost effective and successful manner with innovative applications of rapid prototyping.