Rapid Prototyping & Manufacturing Technologies - to submit your ...

Rapid Prototyping & Manufacturing TechnologiesRapid Prototyping &ManufacturingTechnologiesObjectives:To understand the importance and applications of rapid prototyping andmanufacturing (RP&M) technologies in the product design anddevelopment processes.To understand the general function of prototype in the product design anddevelopment process.To appreciate the common types of rapid prototyping systems.To understand the basic steps in RP process.To learn the basic of Rapid Tooling process.1. IntroductionIn recent years, opening up local markets for worldwide competition has led to afundamental change in new product development (NPD). In order to staycompetitive, manufacturers should be able to attain and sustain themselves as"World Class Manufacturers". The manufacturers should be capable in deliveringproducts in fulfilling the total satisfaction of customers, products in higher quality,short delivery time, at reasonable costs, environmental concern and fulfill all thesafety requirements.In many fields, there is great uncertainty as to whether a new design will actuallydo what is desired. New designs often have unexpected problems. A prototype isoften used as part of the product design process to allow engineers and designersthe ability to explore design alternatives, test theories and confirm performanceprior to starting production of a new product. Engineers use their experience totailor the prototype according to the specific unknowns still present in theintended design.Rapid Prototyping technology employ various engineering, computer control andsoftware techniques including laser, optical scanning, photosensitive polymers,material extrusion and deposition, powder metallurgy, computer control, etc. todirectly produce a physical model layer by layer (Layer Manufacturing) inaccordance with the geometrical data derived from a 3D CAD model. RP candeliver working prototype at the early design stage of the new product cycle. Somanufacturers can use the working prototypes in bridging a multi-disciplinedPage 1IC Professional Training