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PLEASE NOTE: The Publications System provided by the Manufacturing Systems Integration Division (MSID) has moved to: http://www.mel.nist.gov/msidlibrary/publications.html. The pages below are maintained for archival purposes only.

Publication summary

Author(s): Kevin Jurrens

Publication date: December 1993

Citation: Kevin Jurrens: "An Assessment of the State-of-the-Art in Rapid Prototyping Systems for Mechanical Parts," NISTIR 5335, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, 1993.

Key words: free form fabrication, rapid prototyping, rapid response manufacturing, RRM, stereolithography

Availability:

  • Postscript
  • A paper copy of this document is available by contacting Kristy Thompson [web,email]
Abstract:
This report documents an assessment of the State-of-the-Art in Rapid Prototyping (RP) systems for mechanical parts. This technology area has been identified as one of the key focus areas of the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) Rapid Response Manufacturing (RRM) industry consortium. Several commercial systems for Rapid Prototyping are discussed, along with current research development work in new prototyping methodologies. The vast majority of Rapid Prototyping systems used in industry today are based upon the Stereolithography process, initially developed by 3D Systems, Inc. Other systems and prototyping technologies have more recently been commercialized. Applications for RP technology within a manufacturing facility can be quiet diverse. Industrial uses of this technology have progressed from product visualization and verification, through design integration and optimization, to rapid fabrication techniques for cast parts. This report also discusses several technology issues associated with the development and implementation of RP systems. In addition, a view into the future is provided with a comparison of the current State-of- the-Practice to the Sate-of-the-Art and a discussion on expected advanced in RP technology. Finally this assessment addresses standardization activities and provides recommendations for continued research to support the needs of the RRM program.

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