Rapid prototyping machines are definitely qualifies as high-tech machining. The process that is required and that a rapid prototyping machine is doing is absolutely fantastic. Computer generated and posted, then sent to the machine in order to develop building layer upon layer of materials, until a final product is developed is absolutely amazing.
So, how does all this work? To begin with, you have to develop some sort of graphics, model, etc. by means of a computer program as CAD (computer aided drafting). In this program you will design your "idea" and then the program will take cross-sections, little by little, until the "idea" has been deconstructed. The program will then send the information to the machine where the machine reconstructs the "idea" layer upon layer, until a final prototype is formed. Yes, all this is definitely confusing, but really simple if you put it in layman's terms.
In layman's terms, imagine that you have an element (an element will work) and you have a 3D-image of this on a computer program. You then use the program and shows all cross-sections of image (lines going everywhere) and then each section is removed begins at the top, goes all the way down until nothing is left. The program then shoots the information over to the rapid prototyping machine where it begins to build the item back up, layer after layer.
Rapid prototyping machine using materials such as liquid, powder or a sheet material and then sets this material down, layer upon layer, cross section of cross-section, all the way back up, until there is an actual model of the item that you had on your machine. You have literally taken a picture on your computer screen and through the technology you have now created the actual product itself, though it may not build out of the right material. Basically, it is just a model of the item.
"Fast" may not be the case. Depending on what item you create, it can actually take several hours to several days to complete. Whatever the case maybe, it is just completely amazing technology.
Rapid prototyping machines are now being investigated for the next new technology, and it's rapid manufacturing. Can you imagine what rapid manufacturing could create? Where technology like this takes us next?
Rapid prototyping machines cost a very beautiful "penny", so to speak. But this type of technology does not come cheap and the possibilities of what can be created from it is unthinkable.
There are several manufacturers that offer rapid prototyping machines. To learn more about these amazing machines and the technology involved, you should contact one of the producers. They can help to explain what this process really consists of, and might even give you a demonstration of the machine. If it is something that you are very interested in adding to your shop then contact the manufacturer and Learn how you too can benefit from this technology.
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