Mech Rapid Prototyping Report PDF
Mech Rapid Prototyping Report PDF
org
Seminar report
On
Rapid Prototyping
Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the award of degree
Of Mechanical
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Preface
I have made this report file on the topic Rapid Prototyping; I have tried my best to elucidate all
the relevant detail to the topic to be included in the report. While in the beginning I have tried to
give a general view about this topic.
My efforts and wholehearted co-corporation of each and everyone has ended on a successful
note. I express my sincere gratitude to …………..who assisting me throughout the preparation of
this topic. I thank him for providing me the reinforcement, confidence and most importantly the
track for the topic whenever I needed it.
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Acknowledgement
I would like to thank respected Mr…….. and Mr. ……..for giving me such a wonderful
opportunity to expand my knowledge for my own branch and giving me guidelines to present a
seminar report. It helped me a lot to realize of what we study for.
Secondly, I would like to thank my parents who patiently helped me as i went through my work
and helped to modify and eliminate some of the irrelevant or un-necessary stuffs.
Thirdly, I would like to thank my friends who helped me to make my work more organized and
well-stacked till the end.
Next, I would thank Microsoft for developing such a wonderful tool like MS Word. It helped
my work a lot to remain error-free.
Last but clearly not the least, I would thank The Almighty for giving me strength to complete
my report on time.
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Content
Introduction
What is Rapid Prototyping?
Why Rapid Prototyping?
How does Rapid Prototyping Work?
Applications of Rapid Prototyping
Basic Process
The Rapid Prototyping Technique
Advantages of Rapid Prototyping
Disadvantage of Rapid Prototyping
Conclusion
References
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Introduction
Rapid Prototyping (RP) can be defined as a group of techniques used to quickly fabricate a scale
model of a part or assembly using three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) data. What is
commonly considered to be the first RP technique, Stereolithography, was developed by 3D
Systems of Valencia, CA, USA. The company was founded in 1986, and since then, a number of
different RP techniques have become available.
Rapid Prototyping has also been referred to as solid free-form manufacturing, computer
automated manufacturing, and layered manufacturing. RP has obvious use as a vehicle for
visualization. In addition, RP models can be used for testing, such as when an airfoil shape is put
into a wind tunnel. RP models can be used to create male models for tooling, such as silicone
rubber molds and investment casts. In some cases, the RP part can be the final part, but typically
the RP material is not strong or accurate enough. When the RP material is suitable, highly
convoluted shapes (including parts nested within parts) can be produced because of the nature of
RP.
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Rapid Prototyping uses a standard data interface, implemented as the STL file format, to
translate from the CAD software to the 3D prototyping machine. The STL file approximates the
shape of a part or assembly using triangular facets.
Typically, Rapid Prototyping systems can produce 3D models within a few hours. Yet, this can
vary widely, depending on the type of machine being used and the size and number of models
being produced.
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RAPID MANUFACTURING
On-Demand Manufacturing
Functional prototypes
Boeing’s On-Demand-Manufacturing
AUTOMOTIVE RP SERVICES
Functional testing
BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS - I
Prosthetic parts
BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS - II
Anthropology
Forensics
ARCHITECTURE
Iterations of shape
Sectioned models
Shoe Design
Jewelry
Other castings
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Basic Process
Although several rapid prototyping techniques exist, all employ the same basic five-step process.
The steps are:
First, the object to be built is modelled using a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software
package. Solid modelers, such as Pro/ENGINEER, tend to represent 3-D objects more accurately
than wire-frame modellers such as AutoCAD, and will therefore yield better results. The
designer can use a pre-existing CAD file or may wish to create one expressly for prototyping
purposes. This process is identical for all of the RP build techniques.
The various CAD packages use a number of different algorithms to represent solid objects. To
establish consistency, the STL (stereolithography, the first RP technique) format has been
adopted as the standard of the rapid prototyping industry. The second step, therefore, is to
convert the CAD file into STL format. This format represents a three-dimensional surface as an
assembly of planar triangles, "like the facets of a cut jewel." 6 The file contains the coordinates
of the vertices and the direction of the outward normal of each triangle. Because STL files use
planar elements, they cannot represent curved surfaces exactly. Increasing the number of
triangles improves the approximation, but at the cost of bigger file size. Large, complicated files
require more time to pre-process and build, so the designer must balance accuracy with
manageability to produce a useful STL file. Since the .stl format is universal, this process is
identical for all of the RP build techniques.
In the third step, a pre-processing program prepares the STL file to be built. Several programs
are available, and most allow the user to adjust the size, location and orientation of the model.
Build orientation is important for several reasons. First, properties of rapid prototypes vary from
one coordinate direction to another. For example, prototypes are usually weaker and less
accurate in the z (vertical) direction than in the x-y plane. In addition, part orientation partially
determines the amount of time required to build the model. Placing the shortest dimension in the
z direction reduces the number of layers, thereby shortening build time. The pre-processing
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software slices the STL model into a number of layers from 0.01 mm to 0.7 mm thick, depending
on the build technique. The program may also generate an auxiliary structure to support the
model during the build. Supports are useful for delicate features such as overhangs, internal
cavities, and thin-walled sections. Each PR machine manufacturer supplies their own proprietary
pre-processing software.
The fourth step is the actual construction of the part. Using one of several techniques (described
in the next section) RP machines build one layer at a time from polymers, paper, or powdered
metal. Most machines are fairly autonomous, needing little human intervention.
The final step is post-processing. This involves removing the prototype from the machine and
detaching any supports. Some photosensitive materials need to be fully cured before use.
Prototypes may also require minor cleaning and surface treatment. Sanding, sealing, and/or
painting the model will improve its appearance and durability.
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In the Rapid Prototyping process the 3D CAD data is sliced into thin cross sectional planes by a
computer.
The cross sections are sent from the computer to the rapid prototyping machine which build the
part layer by layer.
The first layer geometry is defined by the shape of the first cross sectional plane generated by the
computer.
It is bonded to a starting base and additional layers are bonded on the top of the first shaped
according to their respective cross sectional planes.
RP machines build one layer at a time from polymers, paper, or powdered metal.
The final step is post-processing. This involves removing the prototype from the machine and
detaching any supports.
The producer may produce an inadequate system that is unable to meet the overall demands of
the organization. Too much involvement of the user might hamper the optimization of the
program.
The producer may be too attached to the program of rapid prototyping, thus it may lead to legal
involvement.
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Conclusion
Finally, the rise of rapid prototyping has spurred progress in traditional subtractive methods as
well. Advances in computerized path planning, numeric control, and machine dynamics are
increasing the speed and accuracy of machining.
Modern CNC machining centers can have spindle speeds of up to 100,000 RPM, with
correspondingly fast feed rates. 34 Such high material removal rates translate into short build
times. For certain applications, particularly metals, machining will continue to be a useful
manufacturing process. Rapid prototyping will not make machining obsolete, but rather
complement it.
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References
www.google.com
www.wikipedia.com
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