Rapid Prototyping Photography Shack Guide
Rapid Prototyping To Visualize Any Flaws
By Sylvia Adolvana
The part of the manufacturing process that includes
the creation of a scaled down model of a product or
part design is called rapid prototyping, or just RP
for short. The working prototype is generated with the
use of special software and a computer aided design
program, called CAD.
This program is capable of creating a three-dimensional
rendering of the concept design, which is then fed into
the rapid prototype machine. Other names for the prototyping
process are layered manufacturing and computer aided
manufacturing.
The rapid prototype process has many different uses,
the most obvious of which is the ability to physically
see and handle a scaled down version of a part or product.
This also makes testing the part or product in various
applications and environments possible.
A Working Prototype
A good example of this is producing a working prototype
of an airfoil part for testing in a wind tunnel. Other
uses include the creation of prototypes for the purpose
of using them to make molds for the actual working part
before the production process begins.
Depending on the material chosen for the final product
and its intended use, many times the prototype can be
used as the actual part or product being developed.
The Design Team Can Now See The Product
A great function of the rapid prototyping process is
its ability to give the design team a final chance to
review their options and see the part or product and
determine whether it is functional, effective and marketable.
After the design team has approved the concept design,
it will go through a series of channels, which may include
the engineering and manufacturing teams, so that the
correct procedures and equipment can be assessed prior
to the start of production.
Evaluate And Approve Final Design
Prototype models are then often given right to the
customers so they can evaluate and approve the final
design and choice of materials.
Rapid prototyping has many benefits to the design team
and the customer. Many times the prototype development
team is made up of several people, all of whom often
do not work in close proximity to each other.
Ability To Visualize Design Flaws
Having this kind of system allows them to communicate
in a much more effective manner. Physically handling
and seeing a prototype of the concept idea is also a
good way to visualize and address any design flaws or
safety issues that might arise prior to the costly process
of production.
Making changes and improvements to a concept design
or idea prior to sending it to the customer or beginning
the production process can save a lot of money and a
lot of frustration in the long run.
About the Author:
Sylvia Adolvana is an author of articles on design, digital photography and software including
Adobe Upgrade,
Photo Albums,
Photo Enhancement,
Small Digital Cameras,
Create DVDs,
DVD Burner Software,
Family Web Site,
Bridal Portraits,
Wedding Photos,
Wedding Announcements.
Keep a lookout for more articles coming soon.
More Prototype Facts....
Why is a prototype needed?
A prototype is needed in order
for inventors, engineers and researchers to understand
and solve any potential problems the project has. It
is far easier to have a workable model that can be adjusted
then it is to just see the design on paper.
The fabricators of the final
model have to be able to bridge the gap between an intangible
project on paper and an actual working model. By developing
prototypes the engineers and designers can come up with
alternatives, test the prototypes for performance issues
and even, in the case of software, work out many of
the bugs that are found in initial designs.
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