Model Makers
Model Maker (MM) is a commercial rapid prototyping (RP) system using tiny jets to deposit materials onto a platform to build physical models. Also, a cutter is employed to plane off the deposited surface in order to maintain smaller layer thickness and hence, model accuracy.
History of MM (MM) was developed by Sanders Prototype INC. in the early 1990’s Wanted to revolutionize the RP industry in accuracy
Original Model Maker Materials Build Material −Wax based thermoplastics Support Material −Wax based material with very low melting points
Modern Materials for MM Metallic compounds Thermoplastic compounds
MM Process MM system builds up layers of materials using the method of melting and fusing Uses a solid modeler , inkjet print heads , and high precision milling techniques
Types/price of MM’s in 96 http://www.sdsc.edu/tmf/Research/lowcost.html
Sanders MM Process Click here for a Sanders ModelMaker.
MM Materials Below is a 4-inch model made by the Extrude Hone "ProMetal“ process. Made of stainless steel powder which is infiltrated with bronze to braze it together, it should be quite long lasting. Click here for examples of George Hart's mathematical rapid prototype creations.
MM uses In the link is an SLS model, about 3 inches in diameter, made on a DTM 2500Plus machine Click here for more of George Hart's creations and web page.
MM products Examples from start to finish using Solidscape Click here for examples from rpwax.com's rapid prototype models. Click here for RP machines for jewelry models used for direct casting.
Industries Medical Jewelry Toys Teaching Click here for examples of RP processes in the MEDICAL industry from waxbuilders.com. Click here for examples of RP processes in the JEWELRY industry from waxbuilders.com.
Advantages High precision Easy to use Non toxic Efficient Good surface finish
Disadvantages Longer build time Only makes small parts Longer set up time Limited variety of support materials
References www.sandersdesign.com www.waxbuilder.com/SandersWaxModels www.staffs.ac.uk/schools/engineering_and_technology Rapid prototyping technology text http://www.efunda.com/processes/rapid_prototyping/inkjet.cfm#SMM http://rpwax.com/pages/rp%20model%20info%202.html