For people outside the fields of engineering and technology, there can be some confusion regarding the terms “3D printers” and “rapid prototype machines.” This conundrum is to be expected since there are even engineers who are not aware that these machines exist.
Nonetheless, both these machines are used in fabricating scale models used in engineering, automation, manufacturing and mechanics. In recent years, however, the use of these machines has expanded beyond the confines of engineering to medicine, education, and even the arts. But what makes these machines different from each other?
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This technology is also used by the sculptors in order to achieve complicated shapes for display in any exhibition of fine arts. Rapid prototype creates 3D models with the help of virtual designs from animation modeling software or computer-aided design, which helps in transforming the design into thin layers, virtual and horizontal cross sections until the entire model is complete and all these can be done with the help of additive manufacturing technology present in rapid prototyping. With the use of this particular technology the virtual image can be easily transformed into the physical model.
• The additive manufacturing technology helps the machine to read data from computer aided design and builds the model with the help of layers of liquid, powder and sheet material. Various cross sections are used while building up the model. The layers are combined with the virtual cross section automatically to get the final shape.
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Rapid prototyping is a revolutionary and powerful technology with wide range of applications. The process of prototyping involves quick building up of a prototype or working model for the purpose of testing the various design features, ideas, concepts, functionality, output and performance. The user is able to give immediate feedback regarding the prototype and its performance. Rapid prototyping is essential part of the process of system designing and it is believed to be quite beneficial as far as reduction of project cost and risk are concerned.
Rapid prototyping is known by many terms as per the technologies involved, like SFF or solid freeform fabrication, FF or freeform fabrication, digital fabrication, AFF or automated freeform fabrication, 3D printing, solid imaging, layer-based manufacturing, laser prototyping and additive manufacturing.
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