Content area
Abstract
The rapid prototyping (RP) industry got its start almost 10 years when 3D Systems introduced its Stereo-Lithography Apparatus machine in November 1987. Today the use of RP is common as more companies are trying to reduce product development time. RP systems accept 3D CAD files, slice the data into cross-sections, and construct layers of a part from the bottom up - bonding one layer on top of the other - until a physical prototype from the CAD geometry is produced. Through the use of RP, companies can catch flaws early in the product development cycle before they translate into costly and lengthy delays. Some RP systems rely on photopolymerization, including AAROFLEX Inc.'s AAROFLEX Solid Imager machines and Cubital America Inc.'s Solider 4600/5600 systems. Other machines take advantage of thermal reactions to build physical parts, such as the DTM Corp.'s Sinterstation 2000 and 2500 sinter powder materials. Still other RP systems propel thermoplastic material out of one or more jetting heads to construct physical models.