Additive Manufacturing: A next gen fabrication

A class of technologies referring to Rapid Prototyping (RP) or Additive or Layer Manufacturing or 3D Printing allows designers to quickly create tangible prototype instead of using two dimensional pictures. This technology produces models and prototype parts from 3D CAD model data created from 3D object digitizing systems. Rapid Prototyping forms parts by joining together liquid, powder or sheet materials. Physical models are built using three basic stages: pre-processing, building, post-processing. Pre-processing consists of generation of CAD model, convert into STL format and slice the STL files into cross sectional layers. In building process, construction of model takes place one layer atop another. Post process consists of cleaning and finishing the final model. Common types of Rapid Prototyping technologies popular in industry are: Steriolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, Selective Laser Sintering, Laminated Object Manufacturing,3 D Printing. The selection of the processes depends upon the material to be cured to build the final model. Rapid Prototyping technologies are used in various industries like Automobiles, Consumer products, Medical, Academics, Aerospace, Government and Military. This poster talks about few challenges to be considered in Rapid Prototyping like shrinkage and distortion of final model, mechanical performance of RP model and limitations to mass quantity. : Layer Manufacturing, CAD Model, STL format, Steriolithography, Fused Deposition Modeling, Selective Laser Sintering.