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Rapid Prototyping

Rapid Prototyping (RP) – technology allows 3D-printing of arbitrarily shaped structures, directly from computer-aided design (CAD) data. It has traditionally been used to produce only passive mechanical parts. A team at Cornell University has developed compact, automatic Solid-Freeform Fabrication systems, or “fabbers”, which can build almost any kind of object – not merely passive mechanical parts, but complete devices, ready to use right out of the machine.

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Published Apr 03 2008, 06:32 AM by CurtisEllzey
Filed under: Consumer, Fabrication, Rapid Prototyping, Education

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Comments

Joel Armstrong-Muntner said:

Great Work, really impressive!

May 8, 2008 10:32 AM

Phoenix Proto Technologies said:

Interesting concept in rapid tooling, home made, open source personal SLA machine. Actually it's pretty neat. Always make the better mouse trap! Innovation is a wonderful thing!

But it's not for everybody. Some materials are really difficult to work with. From super high melt temps -> think non-Newtonian fluids - viscosity is a nightmare if you don't run them right. What about ventilation? Some of the plastics are pretty toxic to be run out of a basement or garage. There's a ton of material issues I won't go into but the home "fabber" needs to be aware of.

There are also issues with going into production with a SLA prototype. Nothing was learned from the process as to what is going to happen in actual manufacturing, & manufacturing is all about the process. It has to be repeatable & follow certain quality standards depending upon the requirements of the market.

We do rapid prototyping by blending traditional methods with current technology. We are always happy to work with innovators.

Great Job!

November 27, 2008 10:58 PM

Kishor MOhta said:

we want a complete solution in rapid prototyping

January 21, 2009 10:47 PM

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Joel Armstrong-Muntner said:

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	Joel Armstrong-Muntner said: Great Work, really impressive! May 8, 2008 10:32 AM
	Phoenix Proto Technologies said: Interesting concept in rapid tooling, home made, open source personal SLA machine. Actually it's pretty neat. Always make the better mouse trap! Innovation is a wonderful thing! But it's not for everybody. Some materials are really difficult to work with. From super high melt temps -> think non-Newtonian fluids - viscosity is a nightmare if you don't run them right. What about ventilation? Some of the plastics are pretty toxic to be run out of a basement or garage. There's a ton of material issues I won't go into but the home "fabber" needs to be aware of. There are also issues with going into production with a SLA prototype. Nothing was learned from the process as to what is going to happen in actual manufacturing, & manufacturing is all about the process. It has to be repeatable & follow certain quality standards depending upon the requirements of the market. We do rapid prototyping by blending traditional methods with current technology. We are always happy to work with innovators. Great Job! November 27, 2008 10:58 PM
	Kishor MOhta said: we want a complete solution in rapid prototyping January 21, 2009 10:47 PM