Developments in Rapid Prototyping Technology

Rapid prototyping is a term applied to a range of new technologies that are becoming increasingly important as the pressure increases for manufacturers to reduce the time to market for their products. The key to all such systems is the ability to realise complex 3 dimensional objects directly from a CAD description without the need for multiple machine processing. This paper briefly describes the concept of rapid prototyping systems, explaining some of the technology in use today. Limitations of these systems are discussed in terms of materials and resolution. This paper goes on to describe a new MIG welding based rapid prototyping system being developed at Nottingham University. The paper finishes with suggestions on how a range of new rapid prototyping systems may develop to include a much larger variety of parts and materials than at present.