Automatic creation of real objects by means of layered building of the material with the help of rapid prototyping machines like stereo lithographic apparatus, three-dimensional printer or any other. Rapid prototyping technology is computer-aided, which means that it works only on the basis of intercommunication between prototyping machine and three-dimensional graphical program. The essence of rapid prototyping technology lies in the signal transferred by a computer to a rapid prototyping machine. Thus, the whole process is controlled automatically. Such idea was born in the mind of an American engineer in 1988 when it became obvious that manual prototyping was too old-fashioned and unprofitable to be used. This technology was immediately patented and is used until know. The process of model making was implemented by means of laser beam which finished the creation of the model. If in the past times carving and tooling were done manually, by means of specials tools cutting extra layers of materials from the model and shaping it, now the process requires no additional tooling. It means that the process of material growing is done the way, that finished model looks perfect. It is attained by means of computing. Let us look through the process of model-making more thoroughly. To create a rapid prototyping object you have to buy or to download from the corresponding web site a CAD file. It is an image of the object, which you need to copy. Special 3D graphical program creates a virtual image of the object. By adding an electronic web to the image you get segments called cross-sections. Those are small squares of an image that can be move in any direction if needed to get a perfect result. In the course of prototyping process, 3D program cuts off layers of the image. A prototyping machined

Tags: prototyping, rapid prototype