94,316 research outputs found
Initial thoughts on rapid prototyping techniques
This paper sets some context, raises issues, and provides our initial thinking on the characteristics of effective rapid prototyping techniques.After discussing the role rapid prototyping techniques can play in the software lifecycle, the paper looks at possible technical approaches including: heavily parameterized models, reusable software, rapid prototyping languages, prefabrication techniques for system generation, and reconfigurable test harnesses.The paper concludes that a multi-faceted approach to rapid prototyping techniques is needed if we are to address a broad range of applications successfully -- no single technical approach suffices for all potentially desirable applications
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Volume Modeling for Rapid Prototyping
The expanding workspace of Rapid Prototyping will draw on the new developments
in geometric modeling. Volume modeling has substantial advantages over other modeling
schemes to meet the emerging requirements of Rapid Prototyping technology. It provides us with
a new approach to design complex geometry and topology. The integration of the volume
modeling and Rapid Prototyping technology will help us to fully exploit RP's ability to fabricate
objects with complex structures. This paper addresses our research and practice in a volume
modeling system toward Rapid Prototyping. Novel techniques in volumetric data manipulation,
NURBS volume models and triangular facet generation over solid models are presented.
Computer models designed by this system and their corresponding DTM products are also
shown atthe end of this paper.Mechanical Engineerin
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Build Time Estimations for Large Scale Modelling
Achieving speedy results in model making is very much desired if not a necessity in ahnost any
manufacturing industry. There is no doubt that rapid prototyping contributes to this process. It is
generally considered that when compared to conventional machining techniques like nlilling, the
current rapid prototyping systems appear to be much faster. This is certainly true for complex,slnall
objects. I-Iowever, this is not alwaysa,pplicable to simple, large and bulky parts.
There are a number of projects and systems concentrating on the fabrication of large models. Work
is being carried out at the University ofHong Kong, using milling. along with slicing technology.
This.report compares some ofthe rapid prototyping systems witl1milling. Milling is an established
technology and recent developments in materials and nlachines used in Inilling nlake it a good
alternative to rapid prototyping when itcomes to largesyale nl0delling.Mechanical Engineerin
Virtual assembly rapid prototyping of near net shapes
Virtual reality (VR) provides another dimension to many engineering applications. Its immersive and interactive nature allows an intuitive approach to study both cognitive activities and performance evaluation. Market competitiveness means having products meet form, fit and function quickly. Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (RP&M) technologies are increasingly being applied to produce functional prototypes and the direct manufacturing of small components. Despite its flexibility, these systems have common drawbacks such as slow build rates, a limited number of build axes (typically one) and the need for post processing. This paper presents a Virtual Assembly Rapid Prototyping (VARP) project which involves evaluating cognitive activities in assembly tasks based on the adoption of immersive virtual reality along with a novel non-layered rapid prototyping for near net shape (NNS) manufacturing of components. It is envisaged that this integrated project will facilitate a better understanding of design for manufacture and assembly by utilising equivalent scale digital and physical prototyping in one rapid prototyping system. The state of the art of the VARP project is also presented in this paper
Virtual bloXing - assembly rapid prototyping for near net shapes
Virtual reality (VR) provides another dimension to many engineering applications. Its immersive and interactive nature allows an intuitive approach to study both cognitive activities and performance evaluation. Market competitiveness means having products meet form, fit and function quickly. Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing (RP&M) technologies are increasingly being applied to produce functional prototypes and the direct manufacturing of small components. Despite its flexibility, these systems have common drawbacks such as slow build rates, a limited number of build axes (typically one) and the need for post processing. This paper presents a Virtual Assembly Rapid Prototyping (VARP) project which involves evaluating cognitive activities in assembly tasks based on the adoption of immersive virtual reality along with a novel nonlayered rapid prototyping for near net shape (NNS) manufacturing of components. It is envisaged that this integrated project will facilitate a better understanding of design for manufacture and assembly by utilising equivalent scale digital and physical prototyping in one rapid prototyping system. The state of the art of the VARP project is also presented in this paper
Rapid Prototyping Using 3-D Welding
Rapid prototyping systems are based, almost exclusively on polymer, or paper materials.
The dimensions of the parts produced are limited by the volume of the processing area within
the machine, and parts tend to warp or distort due to shrinkage and lack of support. Also the
mechanical properties of the part are restricted to those of the processable materials and thus,
in many cases, required 'engineering properties' cannot be obtainedMechanical Engineerin
An application generator for rapid prototyping of Ada real-time control software
The need to increase engineering productivity and decrease software life cycle costs in real-time system development establishes a motivation for a method of rapid prototyping. The design by iterative rapid prototyping technique is described. A tool which facilitates such a design methodology for the generation of embedded control software is described
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RP Process Selection for Rapid Tooling in Sand Casting
The significant cycle-time improvements and geometrical capabilities of solid freeform
fabrication systems have led to applications in sand casting industry for design verification and
tooling. The time and cost effective deployment of rapid tooling processes using rapid
prototyping technology has thus becoming an emerging area to be studied. To make full use of
the advantages of rapid prototyping processes, the factors influencing the tooling approach must
be identified and understood. This understanding is then used to develop a decision-making
structure for RP process selection for rapid tooling in sand casting. In this manuscript we review
our work in evaluating and building a framework for tooling process selection for sand castingMechanical Engineerin
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