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Three-dimensional modeling has become an integral part of the creation of complex architectural and technological facilities. After the development it should be mandatory the embodiment of 3D-models in hard copy, which previously required a long time and the work of several specialists. To date an opportunity to accelerate this process has appeared – with the help of rapid prototyping technology (RP).

People often use instead of more exact term Rapid Prototyping (RP) the term “three-dimensional printing» (3D-printing, 3DP). In essence, it is almost true, if you look at the process from outside – an analogy with the usual printer appear immediately, especially taking into account resemblance of these devices.

The main benefit of 3d printing over traditional methods of obtaining models is speed. I give an example: the production of the model by hand or using machine tools can take several weeks or even months that result in higher costs for product development and a significant increase in timing of the issuance of new products, especially if the design errors were made.

The systems of rapid prototyping have no virtually these deficiencies, because using them you can obtain a ready-made model within a few days, hours or minutes – depending on its complexity. Current requirements for the timing of development and production of finished products has led that many of the well-known brands (e.g., Adidas, Audi, BMW, Ford, Fisher-Price, Lufthansa, Sony, Volkswagen) have already made it into service.

Basic technologies.

Nowadays there are many technologies that implement the required; we will consider the most widespread technology- 3D-printing.

Three-dimensional printing, perhaps, the closest to usual one, was developed and patented by Professor Ely Sachs in the late 80-ies. During the process the dye and binder through the ink-jet print heads are distributed in accordance with a given program to pre-deposition of a thin layer of powder and immediately frozen.
The device for creating 3D-objects is very similar to ordinary printer of professional class.

After completion of the formation of one level and automatically checks its thickness the work starts on next one. Depending on the type of glue and powder the properties of the model will be different – it even possible to make it elastic or use it as molds for casting.

I must say that the objects created by 3DP technologies have rather coarse textured surface and a lower strength than that produced by RP-systems of other types, but these drawbacks are eliminated with the help of hand finish – soaking glue, wax or other special substances. But it takes in 5-10 less time for printing such a model takes than using other technologies for rapid prototyping.

Currently six companies have licenses, entitling them to produce such devices. The largest of them – ZCorporation – presented on the market under the brand of Danish manufacturer of large format scanners Contex. The range consists of two printers, monochrome – DESIGNmate Mx and full color – DESIGNmate Cx value of 40 thousand dollars.

Over the recent decades rapid prototyping services managed with solving lots of tech problems occurring when trying to present a product, design or model. Have you come across such a problem too? Then you are welcomed to visit this rapid prototyping methodology site.

And don’t forget that we are living in the world of high technologies. Keep in mind that modern web technologies offer you a unique opportunity to try and to find anything you might require. Use them to search for cheap rapid prototyping. If you want to keep abreast of new publications on the topic subscribe to the RSS feed on this blog.

Research by Royal Doulton have shown that despite the high cost of stereo lithography devices in the design and manufacture of dinnerware there are separate areas where their use can be very effective, for example, manufacturing crockery for use on board of aircrafts. These studies are carried by graphic designer of the company Richard Delaney in preparation for his dissertation on design. In particular, he compared the cost of developing a new design teapot using traditional methods of manufacturing physical models and using devices of rapid prototyping.

Conceptual design of a new kettle was carried out in a special package of firm Royal Doulton. For obtaining 3D models, suitable for transmission on the device of rapid prototyping, data from this package were transmitted to the system PowerSHAPE, which had much higher precision geometric constructions needed for manufacture of both prototypes and production tooling. In addition, PowerSHAPE can get a fully closed STL file required for successful work of SLA.

In addition, in PowerSHAPE it has been completely rebuilt the model handle, because the design package was unable to ensure its constant thickness.

STL file obtained in PowerSHAPE was transferred to the bureau of rapid prototyping Rover Group, where SLA model was made. This model consisted of four parts: the main body of the kettle, cap for special technological holes in the bottom of the kettle (which accounts for leave for sink of photopolymer), spout, lid.

The obtained model had a reasonably good appearance for use in presentations. Usually, presentation models are painted in white color and covered with varnish to get a “porcelain” look, but in this project it was decided not to do this so that you can clearly explain to all concerned the substance of stereo lithography technology.

The main advantage of rapid prototyping technology – is the speed of getting a physical model. In this example, the model of average complexity was obtained in three times faster than using traditional methods. Even more significant gain in time can be obtained on complex models with embossed decorations. The technology of rapid prototyping can also greatly accelerate the process of amending in the design of the product.

For product of type of selected for the study teapot with rapid prototyping it is possible to simulate not only the outside surface, but inside one. It allows getting a prototype, fully emulating the finished product, in which you can pour water and see how it will be convenient to use this teapot, pouring water into a cup, check the ergonomics and balance of the product. The model obtained by the traditional way has no such opportunities.

Despite all these advantages. I think that about 30% higher cost SLA prototypes can be justified only in certain projects, where time is crucial factor. One of such areas for Royal Doulton is the production of thin ceramic tableware for airlines. The firm is the world’s largest producer of such utensils, among its customers such airlines: British Airways, All Nippon, Air Canada and more than 70 others. The new design dishes in this market are usually associated with a complete restyling of interior liner and must be made in a short time. Customers tend to take a decision on the choice of design only seen the proposed model on a computer screen, then you must immediately submit a physical model for final approval and launch into production. Therefore, in such projects increased cost of SLA models are paied off quickly.

Over the recent decades rapid prototyping services managed with solving lots of tech problems happening when trying to present a product, design or model. Have you come across such a problem too? Then you are invited to check out a rapid prototyping methodology site.

And remember that we live in the world of digital technologies. Keep in mind that current online technologies give you a unique chance to try and to find anything you might require. Use them to search for cheap rapid prototyping. If you want to be aware of the latest publications on the subject sign up for the RSS feed on this blog.

The creation of any new product begins with prototyping.

The purpose of creating the qualitative prototype is an exact repetition of geometric shapes, the collection, and appearance of the detail and finds materials that are most similar to the questions. It is very convenient the rapid prototyping technologies – the layered synthesis of the prototype on the computer model of the product. Such a prototype allows evaluating the appearance of the detail, checking elements of the design, and making the necessary tests to obtain a master model for subsequent casting. RP-technologies in prototyping reduce significantly the time frame for the production; allow abandoning from long and laborious step of manufacture of prototypes by hand or on the machine tools.

The prototype is built using a solid model of the CAD-system or model with closed surface contours. This model is dissected into thin layers in cross section, using special software. Each layer has a thickness equal to the resolution of the equipment on z-coordinate. It must be retained allowance for machining. The detail is build up layer by layer in such a way in order to receive a physical prototype.

The scheme of equipment for prototyping is roughly the same: a thin layer of material is deposited on the desk, elevator of the device, which reproduces the first cross-section of the product, then the elevator is moved down one step and the next layer is applied. The model of desired product is constructed layer by layer in such a way.

There are many technologies of prototyping. The main difference between them is a prototyping material and method of its application.

Stereo lithography. It is the first and most common method of prototyping. It has a fairly low cost of the prototype. The method is based on the layer-by-layer solidification of liquid photo polymer by a laser beam, directed by scanning system. It is used semi-rigid and fragile material. It is well treated, glued, painted, but it is subject to warping under the influence of atmospheric moisture. Surfaces have good quality.

Technology SLS – laser sintering of powder materials. It uses powder plastic, metal or ceramics as working material. First, it is applied a thin layer of powder on the surface, then it is sintered by a laser beam. The solid mass is formed, which corresponds to the cross section of the model and determines the geometry of the detail. The prototypes obtained by this technology have good mechanical properties.

Technology FDM – layering imposition of the molten polymer threads. Threads in this case are taken from ABS, polycarbonate or wax. Thermoplastic is extruded through a special head with a certain temperature, moving with a semi-liquid state. Then it is applied with thin layer on a stationary base with very high accuracy. Layers solidify and unite with each other. The technology is used to obtain individual samples of products.

Over the recent decades rapid prototyping services managed with solving lots of tech problems happening when trying to present a product, design or model. Have you come across such a problem too? Then you are welcomed to visit a rapid prototyping methodology site.

And remember that we live in the world of high technologies. Bear in mind that current web technologies offer you a unique chance to try and to find anything you might want. Take advantage of them to look for cheap rapid prototyping. Should you want to keep track of the latest publications on the subject subscribe to the RSS feed on this blog.

Rapid Prototyping (RP) – is a process of layered constructing a physical model (prototype) in accordance with the geometry of 3D models. RP – is the technology of fast prototyping, rapid creation of prototypes or working model of the system for demonstration to the customer or check the possibility of realization.

The term is used in information technologies to describe the rapid development of software (RAD), and in the technologies associated with production of physical prototypes of the details. RAD (Rapid application development) – is the concept of development of software that pays special attention to the speed and ease of programming, the creation technological process, allowing the programmer to create very quickly computer programs.

In the early 1980′s it is began to develop intensively the technologies of formation of three-dimensional object not by removing material or modification the form of the billet, but by progressive jointing(appendix) of the material or verification in the phase state of the substance in a given place of space.

The building processes are largely automated and let obtain high quality and relatively inexpensive models, spending on their production hours, not days and weeks, as it was when using traditional methods. The use of RP technology can significantly reduce the time and cost of design and construction works, works on manufacturing tooling, as well as to improve the quality of products.

The ranges of applications of these models are: exhibition samples, prototypes and designs to verify the collection, construction and style. It is also used for getting master models for replication in silicone forms.

Manufactured prototypes can be used as a replacement of wax models for the process of investment casting. It is decreased the production time and high cost of tools; models made from plaster provide improved accuracy and quality of surface finish and simplify technology of support operations. Elements of prototypes can be manufactured in the form of finished assembly. Minimum wall thickness may not be less than 0, 5 mm from considerations of strength.

Prototyping is a mandatory step in the development of any new product. Creating a quality prototype, maximally similar to the future product, – is not an easy task. We have to solve the problem of the exact repetition of geometric shapes, the collection, look and find materials that are most similar to the specified. Modern prototype allows not only to assess quickly the appearance of the details, but also to check the structural elements which carry out the necessary tests, to produce a master model for subsequent casting. Using RP-prototyping technologies is capable reduced time frame for the production on 50 – 80%, to eliminate completely the lengthy and time-consuming step of prototypes by hand or machine tools.

Over the recent decades rapid prototyping services managed with solving lots of tech problems happening when trying to present a product, design or model. Have you ever experienced such a problem too? Then you are welcomed to check out this rapid prototyping methodology site.

And remember that we are living in the world of high technologies. Keep in mind that modern web technologies give you a unique opportunity to try and to find anything you might need. Use them to search for cheap rapid prototyping. Should you want to be aware of the latest publications on the subject sign up for the RSS feed on this blog.

Mastering of technologies CAD / CAM / CAE and application of laser 3d-scanner accelerated significantly the process of designing and manufacturing of new models of cars, reduced the number of stages in the manufacture of dies. It has become available modern methods of operative control of the geometry of parts and components, including the use of equipment for the 3d-scan.

CAD / CAM technology and 3d-scan technology are widely used to improve the quality of already produced models. The base of mathematical models is created on the basis of existing pattern equipment (master model) with technology reverse-engineering.

All surface of the detail is being scanned during 5-30 minutes. In this case the final result represents a “cloud of points» of 1.3 million pixels, which makes it possible to determine accurately even small structural elements. These mathematical models of parts allow producing quickly the quality control and adjustment of equipment, improving the geometry of the body.

Moreover, rapid prototyping makes it possible to obtain not only the drawings and plans in 3d-representation by converting electronic data of format stl, coming from CAD-systems, but also the physical parts-prototypes without their instrumental manufacture. Prototypes of engineering products, the creation of prototypes and models of buildings of architectural structures (design), interior decor, new design solutions – this is not a complete list of what in a few hours it can be converted from digital 3d-models in the physical model, ie a prototype!

The need in developing of new products and accelerated production amplifies the effect on the shift from instrumental, classical modeling techniques to new, more flexible, using rapid prototyping technology (RP). Manufacture of prototypes and functional prototypes directly from digital data using the revolutionary technology, such as selective laser sintering (sls) will help to achieve the goal of maximum economy of time.

The surfaces, defined according to 3d-scanning, are processed and transformed into a model that should be exported to a file of new format. STL-file – is standard input data for any process of rapid prototyping. Shifting the STL-file on the machine for rapid prototyping, you can make copies of the scanned model. And sometimes this is the only way to recreate a unique product which has no design documentation.

In the process of manufacturing three-dimensional model in the digitized file is virtually cut into thin layers. The machine is guided on them. After all, in essence a rapid prototyping (RP) – is a layer by layer modeling of solid construction in accordance with the geometry of the CAD-model. Innovative technology creates a prototype layer by layer, using the original material.
The building processes are largely automated and allow obtain high quality and relatively inexpensive model, spending on their production hours, not days and weeks, as when using traditional methods.

Over the recent decades rapid prototyping services managed with solving lots of tech problems occurring when trying to present a product, design or model. Have you come across such a problem too? Then you are invited to check out this rapid prototyping methodology site.

And remember that we are living in the world of high technologies. Keep in mind that current online technologies give you a unique opportunity to try and to find anything you might require. Take advantage of them to look for cheap rapid prototyping. Should you want to keep abreast of new publications on the topic subscribe to the RSS feed on this blog.

Having replaced the traditional methods of physical models for future industrial production (manufacture of plastic foam, wood, wax, hand or even on CNC machines), rapid prototyping systems have made a genuine revolution. They opened the inexhaustible possibilities for creative engineers and designers in various industries.

Today in many areas of business three-dimensional (3d) model of real objects are increasingly demanded. People model products, cars, houses. Visualization – is the most reliable way to preview and objective assessment of the outcome of the project, because the three-dimensional models have a high level of interactivity and realism. And it has become quite easy to get them due to the development of computer technology.

Go to the visual world.

To construct 3d-models, it is used a physical object, its photos or 2d-images (thumbnails). And if it is more or less clear with the latter two methods, since it is successfully combined the growing capability of the planar-up and processing the data using sophisticated computer programs, how to be with a real object? You will agree, it cannot be inserted in the scanner. But we would like to behold how it will be seen, for example, invented new aileron on the existing airplane wing.

But nothing could be simpler! To do this, there is non-contact laser 3d-scanning of surface of objects (technical products, architectural elements, etc.) with subsequent processing of electronic data obtained using special software. The experts have hand-held laser scanners. Here are the advantages of such devices:

• The possibility of 3d-scanning of bulky and heavy objects on the ground;

• High speed and quality of scanning facilities;

• Application of laser 3d-scanning does not cause mechanical damage and other types of scanned objects;

• The ability to convert files under different software to work with 3d-objects;

• The possibility of creating 3d-images of objects, touching to which is undesirable or impossible in principle.

Reverse engineering – is a means of obtaining three-dimensional data in computerized form from physical models or products. It has clear advantages, coupled with effective use of other technologies to save time. This technology adds flexibility in the development of future models, and in the production of prototypes.

Designer is not obliged more to limit his imagination beyond the traditional methods of production. Now he can do such geometric forms that were previously impossible to be executed. With the help of prototyping of models you may build internal structures and cavities. Focusing on the final product, the designer can express his individuality in “free” three-dimensional geometry.

All the world’s leading automakers are using CAD / CAM technology and laser-3d-scan in the design and manufacture of automobiles. According to these technologies, body parts of new models are designed with the help of computers; it is created the base of mathematical 3d-models, functioning as a reference.

Over the recent decades rapid prototyping services managed with solving lots of tech problems happening when trying to show a product, design or model. Have you ever experienced such a problem too? Then you are invited to go to a rapid prototyping methodology site.

And remember that we are living in the world of high technologies. Bear in mind that modern online technologies offer you a unique opportunity to try and to find anything you might need. Use them to look for cheap rapid prototyping. If you want to be aware of the latest publications on the topic subscribe to the RSS feed on this blog.

In recent years the technologies of rapid prototyping achieved significant success in reducing the duration of their receipt and range of materials, but for a modern manufacturing plant a problem of receiving party or a small series of commercial products are very important. Reasons can be different, the most common are:

- Manufacturing of production which volumes over the entire life cycle does not exceed ten thousands. Usually it is objects of special instrumentation; duration of release is determined by competition, and production volumes – the number of consumers known in advance.

- Production of advanced batches in parallel with the preparation of mass production and basic tooling. This is true for complex products of common instrument, where the duration of the release of the new products to market is significant, and the factor of market leadership for the exit date of production is critical.

- Production of small series and pilot lots of high-tech and / or high-tech facilities to conduct marketing studies or pre-testing. This is usually the objects of mass production, where the competition at the level of functional properties has reached its limit. In this situation, in the first place in the fight for consumer preferences the ergonomics and design, appearance and packaging-forging go out. The volume of these parties varies mainly from 10 to 2000 pieces.

- Production of pilot lots of products for the preliminary, assessment and other tests. The aim is to obtain details of determining the quality of consumer products that affect the safety of production, or determining the effect of other influences, regulated by law. To solve this task, using substitute materials is unacceptable. In addition to materials for the manufacture goods of this group it is used the same technological processes that in main manufacture.

These tasks are classified on a method of getting forming parts of equipment and technology of getting the details in this snap.

The indirect method is based on obtaining equipment using the tool of the second order. Typically, as the instruments of the second order it is the same prototype, obtained by using one of the methods of rapid prototyping. With its help it is defined the surface of forming parts of equipment. The most widely used:

- Flexible (silicone) forms are best suited for getting of 20-50 castings (“soft tooling”). They are most commonly used for copying polyurethane parts and pieces of wax.

- Epoxy forms. They have a much wider range of applications: molds for injection molding, mold casting technology to RIM, forming models and core boxes for metallurgy, wax patterns for investment casting, dies for forming sheet materials, equipment for the thermo / vacuum forming, etc.

- Metal form, obtained by surface deposition (sputtering, deposition). The result is a nickel or zinc forming layer, subsequently strengthened by various engineering methods. Resistance of equipment may reach 10 000 rent.

Over the recent decades rapid prototyping services managed with solving lots of tech problems occurring when trying to show a product, design or model. Have you come across such a problem too? Then you are invited to visit this rapid prototyping methodology site.

And remember that we are living in the world of high technologies. Keep in mind that modern online technologies offer you a unique opportunity to try and to find anything you might want. Use them to search for cheap rapid prototyping. If you want to keep track of the latest publications on the topic subscribe to the RSS feed on this blog.

The indirect method of rapid tooling includes:

- Ceramic tooling. Instead of epoxy compositions for getting forming parts it can be used ceramic composition. It is used for a variety of technologies for plastic / plastic parts, sheet forming of metals and metal casting. This technology complements the deposited metal, where the coating / deposition of metals is technically difficult to achieve.

- Metal tooling (cast). This is one of the oldest methods, involving getting of forming parts by investment casting or centrifugal casting. Today virtually any RP technology allows getting the tool of the second order (process models) for this process. There are special systems for investment casting in the vacuum.

- Smelted metal rods. They are used to formalize the inner surfaces of hollow parts (reservoirs, air ducts, etc.) It is non-shrink alloys, having a melting point 90-150S. Thanks to its heat capacity and thermal conductivity, the inserts incorporated into the mold for the design of internal cavities do not lose their geometry. After receiving the plastic part, these insertions are melted under the influence of prolonged high-temperature exposure. Material is suitable for 100% recycling.

- The process of 3D Keltool TM. The technology of this process involves the use of silicone as an intermediate form of technological stages. Silicone molds is filled with a mixture of steel powder, tungsten carbide and polymeric powder with average particle size of 5 nanometers. Polymer powder acts as a binder of steel particles. Later, with the help of process of infiltration, a plastic binder component is replaced by copper. Promotional materials inform about the possibility of achieving stability of the snap-in 1,000,000 cycles.

The direct method is based on obtaining forming tooling parts directly from computer mathematical models. According to the classification the “direct methods” are divided into 2 groups:

- “Firm tooling”. It is less expensive and shorter processes in time used in the refinement stages of production and pre-production, when changing the object of production does not entail significant amounts of engineering processing. This rapid tooling usually fills the gap between the “soft tooling” and “hard tooling” and is used to get from 50 to several hundreds of castings using the same materials as in the main traditional manufacturing.

- “Hard tooling” – Methods of getting forming parts of pre-production and production tooling of medium and large series. Developed technologies “Hard Tooling” are based on the sintering of powdered metals (steel, iron or copper) with following infiltration by copper or bronze.
It should be noted that the decision to start development of technology Rapid Tooling and Rapid Prototyping by businesses requires careful preliminary study on a number of fundamental reasons, which include the following:

- In addition to the relatively high prices of basic equipment it is required a sufficiently large variety of auxiliary equipment and materials.
- The staff must have specific knowledge, skills and experience.

Over the recent decades rapid prototyping services managed with solving lots of tech problems occurring when trying to show a product, design or model. Have you ever experienced such a problem too? Then you are invited to go to a rapid prototyping methodology site.

And remember that we are living in the world of high technologies. Bear in mind that current Internet technologies offer you a unique opportunity to try and to find anything you might require. Use them to look for cheap rapid prototyping. If you want to keep track of the latest publications on the topic subscribe to the RSS on this blog.

The number of challenges facing today’s manufacturers from different industries is as large as existing alternatives to address them. It is difficult to understand them, not to mention the comparison of economic and other indicators of the appropriateness of applying.

Suggested methods for rapid prototyping and replication differ according to the type of consumables and methods of exposure to such a material.

All the technologies of rapid prototyping are usually referred to the methods based on the addition of material (in contrast to the classical mechanical treatment). The technologies are adopted to classify according to the type of consumables (liquid, powder and solid sheet).

The processes that use liquid consumables are subdivided, in turn, in the curing processes through contact with the laser, solidification of electro charged liquids or pre-hardening molten material.

The processes that use powdered materials carry a bond of particles through the laser or the selective application of binder components. Processes that use as consumables solid sheet can be classified by the method of their connection – a laser, or a layer of adhesive.

Let us examine in more detail two technologies.

Helisys (LOM). It is one of the cheapest technologies RP. It is especially effective for the manufacture of solid-state components and parts with a wall thickness of 3 mm. It is used mainly to assess the style, constructive solutions. In appearance the prototypes produced by this technology are similar to wood ones. In physical characteristics – wood are superior and used in metallurgical production for tooling (casting into the ground, casting investment casting). Also the prototypes obtained by this technology are used as master models for replication in silicone forms of technology MCP / HEK. The surface can be painted and brought to the simulation of plastic or plastic. The prototypes are water-resistant and environmentally safe.

Brief description of the technology: The detail is cultivated by successive layer-gluing of special thermal paper. At each layer the corresponding cross section is cut by laser. After completion of construction the embracing excess material is removed. Device LOM 1015 allow receive details of dimensions to 381-254-355 mm, positioning accuracy of laser + / -0.25 mm. Prototypes with large dimensions are made in installments with subsequent assembly. It is guaranteed the compliance with the collected details of the design documentation.

Technology Stratasys (FDM). The technology of aimed melting allows getting prototypes and designs of ABS – plastic and melting wax. This technology is the most effective for getting thin-walled parts. The range of applications – are exhibition samples, prototypes and designs to verify the collection, design and style. They are also used for getting master models for replication in silicone forms. The models made of high-melting wax are used in metallurgy for investment casting.

Brief description of the technology: Consumables in the filamentous form is fed into an injection head, where it is heated to the melting temperature and extruded through a nozzle. Head moves along the contour of the current cross-section details, and squeezed material, congealing, forms a part layer by layer. Device FDM 2000 can receive details of up to 245-245-245 mm. Positioning accuracy of the injection head is + / – 0, 25 mm.

Over the recent decades rapid prototyping services managed with solving lots of tech problems occurring when trying to show a product, design or model. Have you ever experienced such a problem too? Then you are welcomed to go to this rapid prototyping methodology site.

And remember that we are living in the world of high technologies. Keep in mind that current Internet technologies offer you a unique chance to try and to find anything you might want. Make use of them to look for cheap rapid prototyping. Should you want to keep track of the latest publications on the topic subscribe to the RSS feed on this blog.

Technology Stereo Lithography (SLA). It is based on curing a photosensitive liquid polymer under the effect of exposure of ultraviolet radiation (UV). It lets get prototypes and samples with different physical and mechanical properties. It is primarily used for prototyping to verify design and collection, as well as master models for further replication in silicone forms. It is developed supplies which allow us to obtain functional prototypes with different physical and mechanical properties, heat resistance, transparency, etc.

Technology overview: The model is built on a platform that moves in the direction of the construction of models (Z) and inside the tub with liquid polymer. Ultraviolet radiation is produced by helium-cadmium, or fixed transmitter (laser gun) and is positioned on the polymer surface with a movable mirror. Absorption and dispersion of the light beam occurs only directly in the vicinity of the surface, resulting in the formation of three-dimensional pixels (volume elements). After polymerization of the current cross-section details the model is immersed in a bath on the value of the thickness of the next hardened layer. The thickness of the layer and the surface is calibrated by special scraper – Raquel. The range of settings allows you to receive details with dimensions 500х500х500 mm. Accuracy of laser positioning is + / – 0,25 mm.

Technology Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). The technology is based on sintering of finely dispersed particles of consumables under the influence of CO2 laser. Consumable (powder) is preheated to a temperature close to the melting temperature of the material (or glue). In the market there are equipment of the two companies – world leaders “DTM” and “EOS”, differing in the flexibility of supplies. As supplies it is used a variety of special plastics (including glass fiber), sand and metal powders. As a result of the use of technology you can get functional prototypes of plastic parts, sand molds and cores for the steel industry, the models for investment casting and metal parts or pieces forming elements molds. This technology is used primarily for single functional prototypes or as an alternative to replication in silicone forms for getting the party of details in a few dozen copies.

Technology overview: The current cross-section of the detail is sintered by laser on the value of the layer consumables (about 0, 15 mm.). After that, the platform is lowered by the amount of the next layer; the next portion of consumables is released from the cartridge, applied and calibrated by rolling roller. Device DTM Sinterstation 2500 plus allows you to receive details with dimensions up to 300х330х430 mm.

Technology MCP / HEK. It is an effective method of getting small parties by casting in a vacuum in the flexible silicone molds without making major equipment. As expendable material for obtaining copies it is used two-component polyurethane. The technology allows receiving copies of a 100% similarity in geometry and texture of the surface (including pad printing, label marker on a glossy surface). It is possible receiving of non-transparent parts and transparent, colorless and colored (lighting elements). It is also possible to obtain the elastic elements (seals, damping elements, shoe soles, etc.) The silicone form made by master model allows you to make an average of 10 – 25 copies, and then you must repeat the process.

Over the recent decades rapid prototyping services managed with solving lots of tech problems occurring when trying to show a product, design or model. Have you come across such a problem too? Then you are invited to check out a rapid prototyping methodology site.

And don’t forget that we live in the world of digital technologies. Keep in mind that modern online technologies give you a unique chance to try and to find anything you might want. Make use of them to search for cheap rapid prototyping. If you want to keep abreast of new publications on the topic sign up for the RSS feed on this blog.