rapid prototyping process

Rapid prototyping is the automatic construction of physical objects using additive manufacturing technology. To learn more about rapid prototyping, herunder I elaborate a 5 steps process to create a rapid prototyping model

1. A 3D Computer aided model (CAD) of the initial idea or concept sketch design will be created.
2. This 3D CAD model will be converted in a STL or IGES format.
3. The STL model will be sliced into thin cross-sectional layers.
4. The model will be constructed one later atop another.
5. The model will be finished and cleaned: your rapid prototype is ready!

CAD Model Creation: First, the object to be built is modeled 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 modelers 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.


Conversion to STL Format: 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 manageablility to produce a useful STL file. Since the .stl format is universal, this process is identical for all of the RP build techniques.


Slice the STL File: 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 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.


Layer by Layer Construction: 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.


Clean and Finish: 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.





Roger van der Linden owns a website called "ProtoTypingChina.Com" which is a great place for rapid prototyping service. If you are looking for Perfect prototyping then this is the place for you. For more information of prototyping please Visit our prototype company.

rapid prototyping in china

Since a couple of years China is an ideal country to make your prototypes.


Once you need CNC machined prototypes China can be very competitive. Prices are much lower for CNC milled real working models that come directly from your Cad system.
First of all, the basic price of basic sheet material, like ABS sheets or blocks, is lower than in the Western world. POM , PC are also common materials and even PA + 30% glass filled blocks can be milled.

Second the cost per hour to machine the 3d model is less than in Europe or US. Often local or Taiwanese CNC centers are used that are very suitable for the job, also overhead factors like electricity is a fraction of that in the Western world.

And last but not least to finishing the prototype model, often done by a Chinese low cost worker, can be done quickly and at low cost. We don’t have to explain the difference in labor costs of Chinese workers!?

In our company, China prototype Center, we strive to make the same or better quality than in the West, with a lot of cost savings for you!

If you have any rapid prototype request please let me know


contact: info@prototypingchina.com

rapid prototyping technologies

what is a prototype:

A prototype is the first or original example of something that has been or will be copied or developed; it is a model or preliminary version.

In the design process making prototypes is a very important step to get feedback from the designs: The virtual design is made in "real life" . It can be a very rough model or an exact example that later will be copied.

prototype technologies;

we have several rapid prototyping technologies:

Some authors or rapid prototype specialist donnot count the abrasive technologies as rapid prototyping technologies, however we mention these as aa technology often used to make quick models:

the abrasive group exist of technologies in where from a block or sheet material will be removed: an example is CNC machining or milling; In our company our main technology to make rapid prototypes is cnc milling

a classification that we can find in the rapid prototyping literature is based on the initial form of the used material:
a. liquid based or
b. solid based

liquid base rapid prototyping technlogies are for example stereo lithography SLA

As owner of a rapid prototyping company, i will put here some usefull information of lessons we have learned in executing rapid prototyping projects for our customers.

first I start with the rapid processes we can offer:

1. abresive technologies; like cnc milling, turning, lathe.


2. molding or tooling technologies


3. printing or sintering technologies