Assessment of Environmental Performance of Rapid Prototyping and Rapid Tooling Processes

A method for assessing the environmental performance of solid freeform fabrication (SFF) based rapid prototyping and rapid tooling processes is presented in this paper. In this method of assessment, each process is divided into a number of life stages. The environmental effect of each process stage is analyzed and evaluated based on an environmental index utilizing the Eco-indicators that were compiled by PreConsultants of the Netherlands. The effects of various life stages are then combined to obtain the environmental performance of a process. In the assessment of SFF processes, we consider the material use in the fabrication of a part, energy consumption, process wastes, and disposal of a part after its normal life. An example is given to illustrate this assessment method applied to the stereolithography (SLA) process and two SLA based rapid tooling processes

Resonant waves in the gap between two advancing barges

The gap resonance between two advancing rectangular barges in side-by-side arrangement is investigated using a 3-D Rankine source method. A modified Sommerfeld radiation condition accounting for Doppler shift is applied for the low forward speed problem when the scattered waves could propagate ahead of the barges. Numerical studies are conducted to investigate various factors which will influence the wave resonance in the narrow gap with particular attention paid on the forward speed effect and its coupling effects with gap width and draft. It is found that in the absence of forward speed, the trapped water surface oscillates like a flexible plate and the wave flow within the gap behaves like a standing wave. When the two barges are travelling ahead, the resonant wave patterns within the gap are reshaped. Additionally, the resonant frequencies shift to lower value and are compressed within a narrow range. Gap resonances are reduced by the augment of gap width. The effect of draft is shown to be associated with resonant modes. Draft effect becomes less pronounced at higher order resonant modes. Furthermore, both gap width and draft effects on gap resonance are found to be independent from forward speed

An Experimental and Analytical Study of Ice Part Fabrication with Rapid Freeze Prototyping

Rapid Freeze Prototyping (RFP) is a new solid freeform fabrication process that builds an ice part by rapidly freezing water layer by layer. In this paper, we will present our recent progress in the development of this novel process. An experimental system has been built for conducting the research. It consists of an XY-table and Z-stroke driven by micro-stepping motors and a water dispensing and deposition subsystem which incorporates a solenoid valve and a syringe pump placed inside a freezer. Simple heat transfer analysis is made to help select proper values of process parameters and predict part building failures. Example ice parts have been successfully built with this process. Key factors of this freeform fabrication process are identified

Rapid Freezing Prototyping with Water

Rapid Freezing Prototyping (RFP) with water is a novel solid freeform fabrication technique that can generate three-dimensional ice objects by depositing and rapidly freezing water layer by layer. The support where necessary is made of brine whose. freezing point is lower than. pure water. After building the part, the support can be removed by utilizing the melting temperature difference between brine and water. Preliminary experiments have shown that the ice patterns produced by this technique can be used for design visualization and silicone molding. This paper will present the concept and some experimental results of the RFP process as well as potential applications