Rapid Prototyping

Rapid prototyping (translated faster model ) is the umbrella term for the various methods for the rapid production of prototype parts from design data.

Rapid prototyping methods are thus manufacturing processes, which have the goal of implementing existing CAD data as possible without manual detours or forms directly and quickly into workpieces. The relevant procedures for this group data interface is the STL format. The data published under the concept of rapid prototyping since the 1980s methods are usually molding method that build the workpiece layers from formless or form neutral material using physical and / or chemical effects.

Method

The method of rapid prototyping to include, inter alia:

Application

In recent years, the fields of application of rapid prototyping, which focused on the production of models and prototypes at the beginning, have been extended to other fields. These include:

• Its use as a tool: Rapid Tooling and
• The use as a finished part: Rapid Manufacturing.

Because of the width of the current applications, it is currently appropriate to speak of the use of additive manufacturing process.

In conjunction with other modern technologies such as reverse engineering ( digitizing ), CAD, virtual reality, and modern tooling process, the process chain is referred to within the product development as a Rapid Product Development.

In addition, you will also find terms such as generative process, solid freeform fabrication, desktop manufacturing, Layer Manufacturing Technology, Advanced Digital Manufacturing ( ADM), and e-manufacturing, etc.

Due to this enormous grown range of uses generative components manufactured new requirements are always placed on generative -made components that can be solved by downstream technologies for generative processes such as surface engineering. Thus it is possible by removing processes such as sand blasting or vibratory finishing, leveling the caused by the construction process stages. It is also possible to paint the generative finished workpieces, or to metallize.