Types of Rapid Prototype technologies
Posted by Robert Kiser on Tue, Feb 10, 2009 @ 03:32 PM
Rapid prototype technologies use the same basic principle of taking a 3-Dimensional computer generated image, slicing it into hundreds and thosands of digital 2-Dimensional bitmap images then fusing these layers together using different methods. There are many rapid prototype system manufacturers, but all these systems are grouped into smaller classifications of technologies. These are:
3D Printing - Objet PolyJet and Z-Corp systems are 3D printers that jet liquid out of nozzles to create the 2-Dimensional bitmap.
Selective Laser Sintering - Plastic powders are laid flat across a build platform and the 2-Dimensional bitmap image is drawn into the powder using extremely hot laser energy to melt the powder.
Stereolithography (SLA) - Lower power ultraviolet light from a laser draws the 2-Dimensional bitmap image into liquid ultraviolet curable resin to create a hardened image.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) - Hard plastic wound onto a spool is fed under pressure into a heated head that contains nozzles. These nozzles are opened and head moves across build platform to deposit the bitmap image.
