Understanding Rapid Prototyping In The UK

By Rogelio Chastain


Rapid prototyping in the UK is a system where physical objects are made through a computerized process that makes use of a technique known as additive layer construction. It is a process that has been in existence for long, though with the use of conventional prototyping as well as model making methods. Overtime, it has evolved through technological advancement into what it is today. RT is a short form of referring to this technology.

It was in 1986 that RT was first introduced. Chuck Hull is the name of the scientist who initiated it through the term stereo-lithography which he made up by himself. What this term simply connotes is a technique by which layers of ultraviolet photo curable items are successively printed on top of each other.

Special internal shapes which would be difficult to machine and probably require complex casting are no more difficult than any other. Once the drawing has been finalized, the process thereafter is remarkably quick. The result is a perfect example of what the designer intended. Many former design limitations now no longer apply in the computer age.

It is widely used in United Kingdom as this country leads in many technological concepts. It is an essential part of the process of system designing and is believed to be beneficial as it addresses concerns of cost and risk of the project. This process includes laser sintering, laminated object manufacturing, dimensional printing and many other means by joining layers of material to create more fine prototypes.

In this running century many of inventions and developments have taken place in which we also have 3D objects prototyping. In this system a rapid injection molding is used which works directly from 3D models, using aluminum molds which are crushed and injection molded parts made. In this type, initial parts are created and then molded in additional parts.

It is also used as a part of product design to give much more opportunities to engineers and designers to explore designs and show their abilities. This way engineers and designers use their experiences to process or design it according to specific work present. It goes through a long process which may include iterative designs that may first undergo a construction process then later testing and finally designed in preparation for production.

The technology is used to speed up the processes for which it is used. For instance, it takes several hours to create jewelry pieces going by the old manual systems. However, with RT the procedure is easier and much faster. RT is also used for scaling architectural forms, and also in three dimensional examinations of unborn children.

RT has a number of advantages. One of them is that it cuts down the total time that is required for processing. This is due to the fact that under this technology, modification of an object is allowed right from the very early construction stages.

The lesson to draw from the advance of rapid prototyping is that modern technology is increasingly bringing greater flexibility to the factory floor. CAM and all its offshoots are making a huge impact on industry generally, just as computers have revolutionized communications. Any manufacturer needs to keep on top of the situation and would do well to consult experts in the field when developing or improving products, in order to offer the best quality products at affordable prices.




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