Rapid Prototyping Methods

From Marking Schemes

Laser Object Modelling Layer fabrication starts with sheet being adhered to substrate with the heated roller. The laser then traces out the outline of the layer. Non-part areas are cross-hatched to facilitate removal of waste material. Once the laser cutting is complete, the platform moves down and out of the way so that fresh sheet material can be rolled into position. Once new material is in position, the platform moves back up to one layer below its previous position. The process can now be repeated.

Stereo Lithography The 3D computer based component design is divided into 0.25mm thick layers. The laser is then scanned onto the surface of the monomer resin, drawing the cross section of the component. Once this resin is cured, the platform drops 0.25mm into a vat filled with monomer. The liquid monomer flows over the layer and the second layer is scanned. The procedure is repeated until the part is finished.

Selective laser sintering Like Steriolithography Selective laser sintering uses a laser beam to selectively fuse powdered materials, such as nylon, elastomer, and metal, into a solid object Parts are built upon a platform which sits just below the surface in a bin of the heat-fusable powder. A laser traces the pattern of the first layer, sintering it together. The platform is lowered by the height of the next layer and powder is reapplied. This process continues until the part is complete.

Solid Ground Curing For each layer, a photomask is produced Next, the photomask is positioned over the work surface and a powerful UV lamp hardens the exposed photosensitive resin:

Homework for Remember (at least) 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages of the i.e. Plastic Additives given by email Laser Object Modeling Click Link for process description Solid Ground Curing Click Link for process description Stereo Lithography Click Link for process description Selective laser sintering Click Link for process description Video Laser Object Modeling Click Link for Video of process Video Laser Sintering Process (SLS) Click Link for Video of process Video Stereo Lithography Click Link for Video of process Video Solid Ground Curing Click Link for Video of process And Also Finish Hand-out given in lesson on economic factors