RAPID PROTOTYPING
I have 5 years experience working in the RP industry. I can advise on most RP technologies and refer you to companies who can build your rapid prototypes for you. As part of my marketing consultancy I can advise on bringing new products to market using rapid prototyping technologies such as stereolithography (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS.)
For most projects where a new product is still in development, a rapid prototype model can save time and money in bringing that product to market by testing form, fit and function of the design or by being used as a master for low volume production.
The standard process for creating an SLA model is by creating an .stl file from the CAD model. This data is then sliced by the software and built layer by layer by the machine using a laser beam which reacts with the material to form a solid part. The SLS process is similar to this but the material is in a powder form which is then sintered by the laser to form the part.
It is important to distinguish between 3D concept modelling and 3D CAD mechanical modelling. To build a rapid prototyping or go into manufacture with injection mould tools, a proper wire frame mechanical model is required.
Regarding the differences between the two most standard RP processes, SLS parts have a granular surface finish and are good for fit and function testing, whereas SLA parts are better for cosmetic parts, transparant parts, marketing models or as masters for tooling.
