Building a wall out of bricks and creating a plastic part out of plastic layers are both additive processes. As such, they share several advantages. Both are relatively simple, inexpensive, and repetitive—brick is piled on brick; plastic layer is … [Read more...] about Subtractive vs. Additive Prototyping
Latest Articles
Reverse engineering–The Biomedical Goldmine
Very few additive rapid manufacturing materials are approved by the FDA, so food processing and biomedical applications are limited. As a result, subtractive rapid manufacturing is often a more effective and lucrative option. Every human body part … [Read more...] about Reverse engineering–The Biomedical Goldmine
Rapid Prototyping Terms and Definitions
Rapid Prototyping (RP) or rapid manufacturing is the automatic construction of physical objects using solid freeform fabrication. The first techniques for rapid prototyping became available about 20 years ago and were used to produce models and … [Read more...] about Rapid Prototyping Terms and Definitions
The Power of the Custom Part
Every manufactured product is the sum of its parts, whether off-the-shelf or custom made. Custom parts developed with Rapid Prototyping and Internet-based technologies actually contribute more value to a complete manufactured product. Custom parts … [Read more...] about The Power of the Custom Part
Clear Resins for RP Processes: A New Standard
Rapid prototyping (RP) is a critical link in today’s fast-paced design cycle and is a cost-effective way to shorten product development from concept to production. The RP process builds concept models to verify new designs for form, fit, and … [Read more...] about Clear Resins for RP Processes: A New Standard
Direct Digital Manufacturing: Practicing What We Preach
Direct digital manufacturing (aka rapid manufacturing) is improving the productivity and profitability of companies around the globe. In the coming years, it will be as commonplace as molding, casting and machining. The companies that are profiting … [Read more...] about Direct Digital Manufacturing: Practicing What We Preach
Tips on Selecting 3D printers
Rapid prototyping technologies are quickly compressing the product development cycle. According to one manufacturer of aerospace parts, the development of a jet engine blade took one month rather than nine thanks to these technologies; an electronics … [Read more...] about Tips on Selecting 3D printers
Subtractive rapid prototyping finally breaks through
Manufacturing by the removal of material may be among the oldest of human endeavors. In fact, the Stone Age takes its name from the process of chipping away unwanted rock to yield useful tools. Obviously, that process was completely manual. Even … [Read more...] about Subtractive rapid prototyping finally breaks through
Injection molding cost: Making cents
You can justify low-volume injection molding, and rapid injection prototyping shows you how. Traditional injection molding is all about quantity. Making a multi-cavity, high-performance hardened steel tool is a slow, expensive process, but once … [Read more...] about Injection molding cost: Making cents
Photopolymer Produces Functional Prototype of Infrared Cameras
Sweden’s leading prototyping and part production service bureau, Prototal AB, recently turned to RenShape® SL 7810 photopolymer stereolithography (SL) material from Huntsman Advanced Materials to build a functional prototype of an infrared camera. … [Read more...] about Photopolymer Produces Functional Prototype of Infrared Cameras