Rapid Prototyping Information

This page covers RP technologies. For the best information on using Rhino in this process, see Preparing for 3D Printing with Rhino.

What is rapid prototyping?

The term rapid prototyping (RP) covers a variety of processes aimed at quickly creating physical parts from 3D computer models using computer controlled machines. Virtually all RP processes are additive. The part is built up by adding, depositing, or solidifying material. This is the opposite strategy of a subtractive process such as machining. Machining creates objects by removing unwanted material from a large block in the form of chips. All current RP processes build up the object in a series of horizontal layers of varying thickness.

The word rapid in RP is a relative term, as most of these processes are actually relatively slow. Rapid actually refers to the reduced time from design to final part due to the elimination of extensive amounts of handwork (and setup/computer programming in the case of CNC machined parts) involved in making prototypes, as well as the ability to quickly iterate a design through various stages. This results in drastically shorter times to production.

A good synopsis of rapid prototyping technology can be found here.

General info on working with Rhino (and other programs) to create RP parts

For pretty much all Rapid Prototyping processes, one needs to start with a closed, valid polysurface or solid.

Information on producing valid closed solids in Rhino.

From that closed solid, a mesh representation of the model needs to be created and exported in the form of an .stl file.

Information on STL files.

Information on meshing objects in Rhino.

Information and comments on individual processes

Stereolithography

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling - Stratasys)

Polymer ink printer (Objet)

Z-Corp

Solidscape and other wax printers

LOM (Laminated Object Manufacturing)


Some excerpts and comments from a newsgroup discussion