Information on different methods of creating rapid prototypes

The term Rapid Prototyping refers to construction of physical model from Computer aided design (CAD) data. This type of modeling creates an original unique structure of physical models which was designed in digital form. The main objective of rapid prototyping is to bring the tangible prototype of designs by using 3 Dimensional printers to form a 3D object. The duration of making an object can be extended from weeks to months sometime for perfect execution of objects. This process consumes less time and money while comparing to the older one.

There are many sources involved to offer for rapid prototyping process since the advancement of technology used to bring effective results.

Prototype Manufacturing involves two types of process namely Subtractive and additive. Subtractive process involves cutting of plastic materials until the prototype is created. Subtractive prototypes are produced using most traditional process. Such kinds of prototypes are generated using milling, drilling and CNC machining processes. Another disadvantage in subtractive is, they usually do only simple shapes and complex geometries are not possible in subtractive methods. Additive process is the newer technique which is used to create larger and complex objects within a specified time. Additive process is done with the use of 3D printing device which undergoes layer on layer method until the part is completed. It is time consuming and fast emerging process.

3D Printing is the process of converting solid form of an object from its digital nature. It is an additive process which is entirely different from older version of traditional prototype methods like cutting and edging. Usually this process is done by laying successive layer of materials. Since it is a fast emerging process it is now applicable in jewel fields, automotive fields, plastic fields, industrial design fields and architecture. This is mainly due to the rapid growth of advanced technology hidden behind this process. The use of additive manufacturing gets designs from CAD and other animation software, transforms them into vertical and horizontal cross sections and creates the structure until the shape is formed. It is WYSIWIG process where virtual and real models are identical.

Steriolithography (SLA) is an additive manufacturing process which enforces a vat of ultraviolet resins or ultraviolet laser to build layers one at a time. It is also considered as one of the fast emerging process of constructing solid prototypes by use of liquid photopolymers. Hope the above said facts will be useful for you to know about rapid prototyping and 3d printing services.