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Posts Tagged ‘modelling’

The most promising for the introduction of three-dimensional printing is considered the market of geoinformation systems, where using it with minimal errors it is created plans of sites, projects of buildings or landscapes. For example, 3D-model is indispensable for the analysis and presentation of urban development projects, it will provide for the historians an opportunity to recreate the appearance of the ancient city, for ecologists – to evaluate the effects on the environment.

The property to synthesize quickly the required number of training models allows solving many problems of the education sector. In addition, RP is quite widely used in medicine to build models of internal organs, prostheses and implants, in technological processes – for disposable molds. In the automotive branch three-dimensional models can be used not only for visual assessment, but for some functional tests (e.g., blowing of future car in a wind tunnel). It is served the individual attention the marketing aspects of RP – from improving the quality of customer service (thanks to the demonstration of full-color prototypes of products) and up to three-dimensional advertising. By the way, just this scope can become a “meeting place” two-and three-dimensional printing, where the latter will take over part of the orders of first one.

Perhaps one of the most exotic ranges of applications of RP – is an individual print of shoes. London Prior 2 Lever (P2L) announced about the beginning of the provision of such services, which have been designed for professional athletes. The idea is that the shape of the potential owner’s feet sneakers is scanned by laser in order to build a digital model, and then the customer should wear special sensor insoles and perform a series of exercises. Based on the received information, the shoes are “built” by layered laser sintering.

Not far off printing of devices with e-filling – in any case, scientists are already working in this direction. Using stereo lithography method, printer should inflict layer by layer conducting and semiconducting polymers, forming the desired circuits until the gadget is ready.

Professional systems of rapid prototyping are cumbersome and expensive devices that do not have domestic use yet. However, the first laser printer’s cost was several hundred thousand dollars.

So far, the most accessible are the printers of solid objects (3D-printer) that build physical models of low-cost material with one or more inkjet heads like an ordinary printer. Of course, they do not provide high accuracy and durability of the finished prototype, but their mechanical properties are sufficient for visualization. But the cost of the project, produced at a 3D-printer, is only $ 10.05 USD

Any special equipment or space is not required for placing the device: like a usual printer, it can be installed directly in the office, at the workplace of 3D-artist or designer. In addition, 3D-printers do not use hazardous materials and processes.

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 check out this rapid prototyping methodology site.

And remember that we live in the world of digital technologies. Keep in mind that modern Internet technologies offer you a unique opportunity to try and to find anything you might require. Take advantage of them to look for cheap rapid prototyping. If you want to keep abreast of the latest publications on the subject sign up for the RSS feed on this blog.

Rapid prototyping has become an essential part of the design process. The development of use the computer solid modeling provides rapid spread of the technologies and reduce their market prices, it is increased the quality of materials and precision of manufacturing models. All this suggests that these technologies and system of 3D-printing will occupy an increasingly prominent place in our lives, and in the near future RP-system will be available to any user, and become familiar tools of the artist and designer.

We will look through the most widespread technologies of Rapid Prototyping.

Stereolithography (STL).

In the mid 80-ies Charles Hull saw the idea of his future RP-system in the property of photopolymers to harden under influence of ultraviolet radiation. STL-unit is equipped with a container with a liquid polymer, in which it is immersed in a flat rack so that it would be seen barely.

Under the influence of computer-controlled radiation it is hardened layer with thickness of a few hundredths of a millimeter, and the shelf falls down and then covered with liquid. Then everything repeats – as a result the ultraviolet light beam “paints” a three-dimensional shape.

It is this process has become the most widespread among the other RP-systems. Perhaps the most significant discomfort of this system – is the need of creating supporting elements, if the area of the upper cross-section of the detail is more than lower one. Having received a patent for stereo lithography, Hull founded a commercial company 3D Systems, which in 1987 introduced the first public STL-printer. The share of this company, offering a number of different types of plants of cost from 65 to 490 thousand dollars, is slightly less a half of all market of RP systems.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).

SLS method was invented by Carl Deckard in 1986 and it is used by such companies such as, for example, DTM Corporation and EOS. The substance of technology is in layer sintering of powder material by laser radiation. In the chamber it is previously heated, almost reaching the melting point. After leveling the powder on the surface processing zones by CO2 laser it is sintered the desired shape, then it is poured a new layer, leveled, and the process repeats. The finished model is removed from the chamber, and the excess powder is removed.

Using a wide range of inexpensive and non-toxic materials (powdered polymers, casting wax, nylon, ceramics, metal powders), low strain and stress, the ability to make simultaneously several models in one chamber – all this provides SLS fairly high ratings in the market of rapid prototyping systems. However, the obtained products have a rough and porous structure, and if you change the material, it is required the cleansing of the entire chamber. The cost of these devices is about 400 thousand dollars.

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 faced such a problem too? Then you are welcomed to check out a rapid prototyping methodology site.

And remember that we are living in the world of high technologies. Keep in mind that modern online technologies give you a unique chance to try and to find anything you might want. Use them to look for cheap rapid prototyping. If you want to be aware of new publications on the subject sign up for the RSS on this blog.

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 show a product, design or model. Have you ever experienced 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 digital technologies. Bear in mind that current web technologies give you a unique chance to try and to find anything you might require. Make use of them to look for cheap rapid prototyping. If you want to keep abreast of new publications on the topic sign up for the RSS 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 show a product, design or model. Have you ever faced such a problem too? Then you are welcomed to check out a rapid prototyping methodology site.

And remember that we are living in the world of high technologies. Bear in mind that current Internet technologies give you a unique chance to try and to find anything you might require. Take advantage of them to search for cheap rapid prototyping. Should you want to keep abreast of new publications on the subject subscribe to 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 ever faced 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 modern online technologies give you a unique opportunity to try and to find anything you might need. Take advantage of them to look for cheap rapid prototyping. If you want to be aware of new publications on the topic sign up for 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 invited to visit this rapid prototyping methodology site.

And don’t forget that we live in the world of digital technologies. Keep in mind that current Internet technologies give you a unique chance to try and to find anything you might require. Take advantage of them to look for cheap rapid prototyping. If you want to keep abreast of the latest publications on the topic sign up for the RSS 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 occurring when trying to present a product, design or model. Have you ever experienced such a problem too? Then you are welcomed to visit a rapid prototyping methodology site.

And remember that we are living in the world of digital technologies. Keep in mind that modern web technologies give you a unique opportunity to try and to find anything you might require. Take advantage of them to search for cheap rapid prototyping. Should you want to keep track of new publications on the topic 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 happening when trying to show a product, design or model. Have you ever experienced 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. Bear in mind that current online technologies give you a unique opportunity to try and to find anything you might require. 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 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 happening when trying to show a product, design or model. Have you ever faced such a problem too? Then you are welcomed to visit this rapid prototyping methodology site.

And remember that we are living in the world of digital technologies. Bear in mind that modern web technologies give you a unique opportunity to try and to find anything you might need. Take advantage of them to look for cheap rapid prototyping. If you want to keep abreast of new publications on the subject sign up for 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 present a product, design or model. Have you come across such a problem too? Then you are welcomed to check out a rapid prototyping methodology site.

And don’t forget that we are living in the world of digital technologies. Keep in mind that modern Internet technologies offer you a unique opportunity to try and to find anything you might need. Take advantage of them to look for cheap rapid prototyping. If you want to keep abreast of new publications on the topic sign up for the RSS on this blog.